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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales strategy in aerospace and defence, driving growth and building key partnerships.
- Company: Dynamic company at the forefront of aerospace and defence manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a chance to shape industry solutions.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a vital sector while working with top-tier clients and innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Senior sales experience in aerospace and defence, with strong industry connections.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on delivering high-value solutions in a regulated environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
This is a development-led sales role suited to an individual with deep experience across the aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem. The successful candidate will bring strong market knowledge, established relationships within Prime Contractors and their supply chains, and the credibility required to position industrial automation solutions into complex, regulated production environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the commercial strategy for the Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing vertical, from initial market entry through to scale.
- Develop a structured business plan covering revenue targets, pipeline creation, key accounts, and growth milestones across Primes and Tier suppliers.
- Identify and prioritise opportunities within defence manufacturing programmes, platform supply chains, and long term production contracts.
- Monitor market trends, customer investment plans, and competitor activity within defence manufacturing to inform strategy.
- Lead all new business development activity across Defence Primes, Tier 1, Tier 2, and specialist manufacturing partners.
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of complex, long cycle opportunities, including framework agreements and multi year programmes.
- Engage with senior stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, supply chain, and programme management functions.
- Drive high value commercial negotiations and support contract closure in line with governance and compliance requirements.
- Support marketing activity by shaping sector messaging, value propositions, and positioning relevant to defence manufacturing customers.
- Provide structured feedback from customers and programmes into product strategy, supplier engagement, and solution development.
- Build long term, trusted partnerships with key strategic accounts within the defence manufacturing supply chain.
- Ensure a high standard of customer engagement, account development, and delivery alignment.
- Maintain awareness of aerospace and defence sector requirements, including quality standards, export controls, and regulated supply chain obligations.
- Support bid governance, risk review, and internal approval processes for complex defence-related opportunities.
- Own and report sales performance, forecasts, and KPIs for the Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing vertical.
- Provide regular updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, and market opportunities.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant senior sales or commercial leadership experience within Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing.
- Proven experience working with Defence Prime Contractors and Tier 1 or Tier 2 suppliers.
- Background in industrial automation, engineering, electrical, electronic, or technically engineered solutions.
- Demonstrated success selling into complex, regulated manufacturing environments.
- Strong understanding of defence manufacturing procurement cycles, long term programmes, and supplier qualification processes.
- Established network of industry contacts across defence manufacturing and supply chain organisations.
- Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on and commercially driven.
- Experience negotiating and closing high value, technically complex contracts.
- Track record of launching or scaling a new sector, vertical, or business unit.
- Working knowledge of defence sector compliance, quality standards, and export control considerations.
- Experience interacting with MoD-related programmes through supply chain engagement, rather than direct government sales.
- Formal business qualification such as MBA or equivalent is desirable.
Vertical Sales Manager in Bedford employer: Primaire Consulting Ltd
Contact Detail:
Primaire Consulting Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vertical Sales Manager in Bedford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace and defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or industry peers, make sure to highlight your deep knowledge of the market and your experience with Prime Contractors. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex sales processes in regulated environments to demonstrate your value.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework before any interview! Understand the company’s position in the aerospace and defence landscape, their competitors, and recent market trends. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets the industry.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us can sometimes give you an edge, as we love to see candidates who are proactive and engaged. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new roles that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Vertical Sales Manager in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Vertical Sales Manager. Highlight your experience in aerospace and defence manufacturing, and don’t forget to showcase those established relationships with Prime Contractors. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your success in complex, regulated environments and how you've driven commercial strategies in the past. Let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Market Knowledge: We’re looking for someone who knows the ins and outs of the aerospace and defence sector. In your application, mention any market trends or competitor insights you've observed. This will show us that you’re not just experienced, but also proactive and informed.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about StudySmarter and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Primaire Consulting Ltd
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem. Familiarise yourself with current market trends, key players, and recent developments. This will not only show your passion for the industry but also help you engage in meaningful conversations about how you can contribute to their commercial strategy.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Since established relationships are crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your network within Prime Contractors and Tier suppliers. Prepare specific examples of how these connections have helped you in previous roles, and how you plan to leverage them in this new position.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires a blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution. Be prepared to outline your approach to developing a structured business plan, including revenue targets and pipeline creation. Use real-life examples to illustrate how you've successfully navigated complex, regulated environments in the past.
✨Prepare for High-Stakes Negotiations
Given the emphasis on high-value commercial negotiations, think of instances where you've successfully closed complex contracts. Be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies and how you ensure compliance with governance requirements. This will highlight your capability to drive results while maintaining integrity.
