Defence Sales Manager

Defence Sales Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive defence sales and manage key relationships in aerospace and security sectors.
  • Company: Join a cutting-edge engineering firm at the forefront of defence technology.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work, private healthcare, pension scheme, and international travel opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborative team environment with excellent career advancement potential.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of defence with innovative solutions and strategic growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in aerospace or defence sales, strong communication skills, and a hunter mentality.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

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.

This position is suited to a commercially driven sales professional with experience in aerospace, defence or technically complex engineering environments, who can manage strategic customer relationships and navigate highly regulated procurement environments.

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: Kchandarana@redlinegroup.Com 01582 878 830

Defence Sales Manager employer: Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies

Join a pioneering advanced engineering and aerospace technology organisation as a Defence Sales Manager in Bedfordshire, where you will be at the forefront of innovative defence solutions. With a collaborative work culture that encourages autonomy and supports long-term career growth, you will have the opportunity to engage with key military and government stakeholders while contributing to high-impact international projects. Enjoy a hybrid working arrangement, competitive benefits including private healthcare, and the chance to mentor junior team members in a dynamic and expanding environment.
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Contact Detail:

Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Defence Sales Manager

✨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 open doors for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! When engaging with potential clients, make sure to highlight your experience in aerospace and defence. Tailor your conversations to demonstrate how your skills align with their needs.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay organised! Use CRM systems effectively to track your sales opportunities and maintain accurate records. This will help you manage multiple campaigns and keep your outreach focused.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can drive strategic growth in defence sales. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!

We think you need these skills to ace Defence Sales Manager

Defence Sales Management
Business Development
Stakeholder Engagement
CRM Systems
Sales Methodologies
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Organisational Skills
Technical Product Knowledge
Aerospace Systems Understanding
Regulated Procurement Knowledge
International Sales Experience
Coaching and Mentoring
Resilience
Autonomy in Work

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Defence Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in aerospace and defence, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage long-cycle sales opportunities.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the defence sector and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to managing strategic customer relationships.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with senior military and government stakeholders, make sure your application reflects your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from demonstrating your ability to interpret 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’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies

✨Know Your Defence Landscape

Before the interview, dive deep into the current trends and challenges in the defence sector. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in aerospace technology and understand the key players in the market. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate your expertise.

✨Showcase Your Sales Success

Prepare specific examples of your past sales achievements, especially those related to long-cycle opportunities in regulated environments. Be ready to discuss how you managed relationships with military or government stakeholders and the strategies you used to close deals successfully.

✨Understand the Procurement Process

Brush up on the defence-sector procurement processes and regulations. Being able to articulate your understanding of these complexities will show that you can navigate the environment effectively, which is crucial for a Defence Sales Manager role.

✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration

Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams, especially in engineering and marketing. Share examples of how you've coordinated efforts to support bids and proposals, as this role requires strong collaboration across various departments.

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