At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Defence Customer relations and drive business development strategies.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce, a leader in defence innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Defence while working with diverse teams globally.
- Qualifications: Strong customer focus, strategic thinking, and proven leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Why join Rolls-Royce? At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.
This is an exciting role within the UK & International Business Development & Future Programmes (BD&FP) team responsible for leading Defence Customer and Government relations, business development strategy and implementation, sales, strategic comms and marketing activity across a defined region. Focused on ensuring the longevity and growth of the business, this is an opportunity to shape the future of Defence in the region and, as part of the BD&FP leadership team, in UK and International markets.
Defence: We’re the second largest global provider of defence aero-engine products and services globally with 16,000 engines in the service of 160 customers in 100 countries. Our engines power aircraft in every major sector, including: transport, combat, patrol, trainers, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
What you will be doing:
- Working for the Director BD&FP, UK & International and collaborating with the broader Enterprise Leadership.
- Delivery of agreed order intake and cash targets to the Defence sector from the sale of products, systems and services.
- Lead a diverse regional team to implement the regional strategy, grow the pipeline and deliver business plan commitments.
- Lead and deliver sales opportunities and campaigns within agreed timescales, understand customer and government requirements, vet opportunities and respond to customer solicitations (RFI, RFP, etc.), develop (in conjunction with the wider business) value proposition, determine pricing, negotiate deals and secure orders.
- Lead, and as appropriate work with our Rolls-Royce regional offices, existing and prospective customer & government relationships across the region to ensure long-term, mutually beneficial and profitable relationships are developed.
- Engage with regional governments and partners to raise the Rolls-Royce Defence profile, determine future needs and secure favourable business outcomes through targeted relationships and input to the local policy development process.
- Create strategies for key accounts and markets to provide clear purpose and goals to the Defence and local Rolls-Royce teams.
- Delivery of business performance with a focus on customer satisfaction and positive customer experiences to facilitate future growth.
- Establish a thorough understanding of the regional market and its dynamics including economics, industry landscape, competitors, customers, and government strategies/policies to provide insights to sector strategic plans and develop sales plans.
- Provide leadership within the UK & international BD&FP team by setting the example on ethics, code of conduct, diversity, professional development and employee engagement.
Position qualifications:
- Strong customer focus across international boundaries along with extensive personal and professional networks.
- A knowledge of the functioning of governments, institutions and political relationships.
- Global outlook and exposure to different challenges, cultures and ways of working, along with a willingness, appetite and drive to learn about local customs and practices.
- Proven track record of delivering business results in both favourable and unfavourable conditions.
- Strong inter-personal/social skills to be able to identify, approach and develop contacts and communicate at all levels within the decision-making stakeholder community.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking and significant understanding of or experience in business development, sales, commercial and customer management.
- Managing and delivering improved customer satisfaction and negotiation of significant contracts.
- An aptitude (and track record) to collaborate both internally and externally to drive novel thinking and solutions that enhance customer value propositions and drive sales.
- Knowledge of the strategic planning process and ability to influence through customer insights and intelligence.
- Awareness and knowledge of the Defence product and service portfolio.
- A proven track record of team leadership and transforming organisations.
This role will require you to hold a Developed Vetting (DV). To start, you will require a minimum Security Check (SC) clearance without any caveats to that clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you don’t currently already have this in place. Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk.
The professional level and the salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate. It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.
Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.
Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.
Grade: Management level A
For further information please contact: Lizzie Moore - Lizzie.moore@rolls-royce.com
Job Category: Customer Account Management
Posting Date: 28 May 2026; 00:05
Posting End Date: 12 Jun 2026
SVP Customer in Bristol employer: Rolls-royce
At Rolls-Royce, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where individuality is celebrated, and diverse perspectives drive innovation. As a Senior Vice President in Bristol, you will not only lead strategic initiatives in the Defence sector but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring a fulfilling career path in a globally respected organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SVP Customer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and really keen on the role.
We think you need these skills to ace SVP Customer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the SVP Customer role. Highlight your experience in business development and customer relations, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your unique background aligns with our vision at Rolls-Royce.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver results, especially in challenging situations. This will help us see your potential impact on our team.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value individuality and diverse perspectives, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and insights. This is your chance to show us who you really are!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-royce
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Rolls-Royce's Defence sector. Understand their products, services, and recent developments. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Vice President, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven results in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to team dynamics and how you foster collaboration across diverse groups.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the regional market dynamics, including competitors and government policies. Being able to discuss these insights during your interview will demonstrate your strategic thinking and readiness to tackle challenges in the Defence sector.
✨Build Rapport
Interviews are as much about fit as they are about skills. Practice building rapport with your interviewers by engaging them in conversation. Ask insightful questions about their experiences at Rolls-Royce and share your own relevant stories to create a connection.
