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- Tasks: Drive defence sales and manage key relationships in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace technology organisation with exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private healthcare, and a company pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for long-term career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in defence and aerospace while shaping international business development.
- Qualifications: Experience in aerospace or defence sales with strong communication skills.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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: 01582 878 830
Defence Sales Manager in Bedford employer: Redline
Contact Detail:
Redline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Sales Manager in Bedford
✨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 that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When reaching out to potential employers, highlight your experience in managing long-cycle sales and your understanding of defence procurement. This will help you stand out as a candidate who knows the ropes.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to be posted. Reach out directly to companies you're interested in, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in defence sales roles. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your CRM skills sharp! Familiarity with CRM systems is crucial in this field. Make sure you can demonstrate your ability to manage customer relationships effectively, as this is key to driving sales success.
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Sales Manager in Bedford
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 mention any long-cycle sales successes you've had. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Use your application to demonstrate your communication and presentation skills. Since you'll be engaging with senior military and government stakeholders, it’s crucial to show us that you can articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements related to defence and security sales. Mention any international business opportunities you've pursued and how you navigated procurement environments. This will help us understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you’re considered for the Defence Sales Manager position. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Redline
✨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 and military technology, as well as key players in the market. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
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, highlighting how you navigated complex procurement environments and built strategic relationships.
✨Engage with Technical Insights
Since the role involves selling engineered hardware and complex systems, be ready to discuss technical aspects of products you've sold in the past. Brush up on relevant technical jargon and be prepared to explain how these products meet customer needs, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As the role includes mentoring junior sales personnel, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or supported colleagues in their development. Highlight your coaching style and how you foster collaboration within geographically dispersed teams, showcasing your ability to drive results while supporting others.