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 growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that shape the future of defence and aerospace.
- Qualifications: Experience in aerospace or defence sales and strong relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ 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
- Represent the organisation at defence exhibitions, trade events and industry forums
- Maintain accurate CRM records and structured opportunity tracking processes
- Develop strategic relationships with defence primes, aerospace OEMs and export customers
- 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
- International or export sales experience within defence or aerospace markets
- Experience using CRM systems and structured sales methodologies
- Experience coaching, mentoring or managing junior sales staff
- Eligible to obtain UK security clearance
- 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
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. 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.
Sales Executive (Nights) employer: Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies
Contact Detail:
Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Executive (Nights)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade shows, and exhibitions where defence and aerospace professionals gather. This is your chance to meet potential employers and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just sit back and wait for job openings to pop up. Be proactive! Reach out to companies you admire, even if they’re not advertising positions. A well-timed email can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a strong online presence on platforms like LinkedIn. Share insights about the defence sector, engage with relevant content, and connect with industry leaders to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! Tailor your application to highlight your experience in managing long-cycle sales and stakeholder relationships in the defence sector. We want to see how you can contribute to our growth!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Executive (Nights)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in aerospace and defence, and showcase any relevant skills that align with the role. We want to see how you fit into our innovative environment!
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 background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your success in managing long-cycle sales or developing strategic relationships. We love seeing results!
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 you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies
✨Know Your Defence Sector Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in the defence and aerospace sectors. Familiarise yourself with key players, procurement processes, and current challenges. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of your past sales achievements, especially those related to long-cycle opportunities or government contracts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewer to see how you can add value to their team.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role involves managing relationships with military and government stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've successfully built and maintained strategic partnerships in the past. Highlight any experience you have in mentoring junior staff, as this shows leadership potential.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask about the company's growth plans, their approach to international markets, and how they support their sales teams. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.