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- Tasks: Drive defence sales and manage key relationships in a dynamic aerospace environment.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge engineering firm at the forefront of defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private healthcare, and a company pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in international defence markets with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in aerospace or defence sales and strong communication skills required.
An opportunity has arisen for a Defence Sales Manager to join a growing advanced engineering and aerospace technology organisation developing highly specialised platforms and systems for defence, security and commercial applications. The business operates at the forefront of innovative aerospace and mobility technologies, delivering complex engineered solutions for demanding operational environments. With increasing international interest and significant long-term growth plans, the organisation is expanding its defence and security commercial capability across UK and export markets.
This role sits within the commercial team and is focused on managing defence-sector business development activity across key UK and international territories. The successful candidate will support complex, long-cycle defence sales campaigns, coordinate international stakeholder engagement and help drive strategic growth across military and national security programmes.
Main Responsibilities:
- Manage and prioritise defence and security sales opportunities across allocated territories
- Develop and maintain relationships with military, government and defence industry stakeholders
- Identify and pursue new international business opportunities across defence and aerospace markets
- Support defence sales campaigns from early-stage opportunity qualification through to contract award
- Coordinate with geographically dispersed commercial teams to ensure aligned messaging and campaign execution
- Lead outreach activity to both new and existing defence customers
- Support and mentor junior sales personnel as the commercial team expands
- Work closely with engineering, programme and marketing teams to support bids, proposals and customer engagements
- Represent the organisation at defence exhibitions, trade events and industry forums
- Maintain accurate CRM records and structured opportunity tracking processes
- Gather and communicate customer feedback to support future product and capability development
- Develop strategic relationships with defence primes, aerospace OEMs and export customers
Requirements:
- Experience within aerospace, defence, national security or technically complex B2B environments
- Proven experience managing long-cycle sales opportunities with government or regulated customers
- Strong understanding of defence-sector procurement and stakeholder environments
- Experience selling engineered hardware, aerospace systems or complex manufactured products
- Strong hunter mentality with experience generating new business opportunities autonomously
- International or export sales experience within defence or aerospace markets
- Experience using CRM systems and structured sales methodologies
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage senior military and government stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent campaigns
- Experience coaching, mentoring or managing junior sales staff
- Ability to interpret and communicate technical product information effectively
- Resilient, self-motivated and comfortable operating autonomously across geographically dispersed teams
- Eligible to obtain UK security clearance
Desirable Experience:
- Prior military service or defence procurement experience
- Understanding of aerospace platforms, surveillance systems or defence capability integration
- Familiarity with defence acquisition or export control processes
- Existing relationships with defence primes or international defence organisations
- Experience within SME or high-growth engineering environments
Working Pattern & Benefits:
- Hybrid working arrangement based in Bedfordshire, UK
- Minimum one day per week in the office with flexibility around travel and customer activity
- Frequent UK and international travel across Europe and wider export markets
- Opportunity to support highly innovative defence and aerospace programmes with international growth potential
- High-autonomy role with the ability to shape international business development activity
- Collaborative environment working alongside engineering, programme and commercial teams
- Long-term career growth within an expanding advanced technology organisation
- Private healthcare and company pension scheme available
To apply for this Defence Sales Manager role, please send your CV to Kishan Chandarana.
Defence Sales Manager in Elstow employer: Redline Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Redline Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Sales Manager in Elstow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend defence exhibitions and trade events to meet key players in the industry. Building relationships with military and government stakeholders can give you a leg up when it comes to landing that Defence Sales Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in managing long-cycle sales opportunities. They want to see that you can navigate complex procurement environments like a champ.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies directly through our website and express your interest in their defence and aerospace projects. You never know what opportunities might be lurking behind the scenes!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your CRM skills sharp! Familiarise yourself with structured sales methodologies and ensure you can demonstrate your ability to maintain accurate records. This will show potential employers that you're organised and ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Sales Manager in Elstow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Defence Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in aerospace and defence, and don’t forget to showcase any long-cycle sales successes you've had. 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 passionate about defence sales and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention any relevant relationships you've built in the industry – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Defence Sales Manager, you'll need to engage with senior military and government stakeholders. Make sure your application reflects your excellent communication skills. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, let us see how you can effectively convey technical information.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Redline Group Ltd
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the defence sector. Research recent contracts, procurement processes, and key players in the industry. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of your past sales achievements, especially those related to long-cycle opportunities or complex engineering products. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Dive deep into the organisation's mission and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals, particularly in international business development and stakeholder engagement. This demonstrates your commitment and strategic thinking.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Ask about their approach to managing defence sales campaigns or how they envision growth in international markets. This shows your proactive attitude and genuine interest in the position.