Sales Manager – Aviation, Middle East & Asia-Pacific in Glasgow

Sales Manager – Aviation, Middle East & Asia-Pacific in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
S

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales growth in aviation across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, building key partnerships.
  • Company: Join Spire, a leading tech company transforming aviation with innovative data solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, uncapped commission, equity options, and flexible remote work.
  • Other info: Collaborative international team with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on aviation safety and efficiency while owning your territory.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in sales, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for aviation technology.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

We are seeking an ambitious, self-directed Sales Manager with a winning and growth mindset, a relentless hunter, ready to go out and build the business — to own revenue growth for Spire's aviation portfolio and bundles across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. The role carries two tightly linked motions. The first is the partner ecosystem: owning and selling to the commercial defense contractors, systems integrators, application service providers, and data integrators that deliver national aviation, airspace, and security programs in these markets, the most frequent route to revenue. The second is direct sales to the civil aviation and defense agencies behind those programs.

As Spire's portfolio expands, this role is also expected to grow into selling integrated products: Aviation + Weather and Aviation + RF geolocation (RFGL) signal-interference products — giving you more ways into every account.

What You’ll Do

  • Own the territory: Build and execute a territory plan spanning the Middle East and Asia-Pacific — mapping the contractor and integrator ecosystem, agencies, budgets, procurement vehicles, and prime relationships country by country, and prioritising the opportunities with the highest revenue potential.
  • Hunt relentlessly and exceed targets: Meet and surpass assigned quota through proactive outbound prospecting, disciplined qualification, and full-cycle execution. This is a hunting role: you create demand rather than wait for it.
  • Sell to and through the partner ecosystem (B2B2G): Own relationships with commercial defense contractors, systems integrators, application service providers, and data integrators across the region — identifying, qualifying, and winning positions that embed Spire’s aviation data inside their programs, platforms, applications, and bids.
  • Build the reseller channel: Structure and negotiate reselling and distribution agreements with data integrators and software companies, creating a scalable indirect revenue engine alongside your direct business.
  • Sell direct to government (B2G): Uncover the operational needs of civil aviation authorities, ANSPs, defense and security agencies, maritime security and multi-domain awareness organizations, search and rescue organizations, transport ministries, and research institutions, and propose tailored solutions built on Spire’s global flight tracking, historical data, and analytics.
  • Navigate government procurement: Lead responses to tenders, RFPs, and RFIs; structure deals through direct contracts, teaming agreements, and reseller or integration partnerships; and manage long, multi-stakeholder sales cycles with rigor and patience.
  • Master the product: Develop deep expertise across Spire’s aviation APIs and ADS-B coverage, historical flight datasets, and their applications in airspace monitoring and security, maritime and multi-domain awareness, airport and airline operations, SAR, safety oversight, and AI model development — to communicate compelling value to technical and executive audiences alike.
  • Grow into the integrated portfolio: As Spire’s offerings expand, position Aviation + Weather and Aviation + RFGL signal-interference integrated products in your accounts — capturing and qualifying customer demand signals today and feeding them to product and leadership to inform the roadmap and the timing of expansion.
  • Build lasting relationships: Develop trusted, long-term relationships with contractor, integrator, and software company executives and senior government stakeholders, understanding their missions, constraints, and objectives to position Spire for multi-year engagements.
  • Negotiate and close: Lead commercial negotiations on terms and pricing across government contracting frameworks, reseller and distribution agreements, and partner margins, reaching mutually beneficial deals and closing reliably.
  • Manage your pipeline: Maintain an accurate, up-to-date pipeline in our CRM, forecasting rigorously and following up on every lead, tender, and opportunity.
  • Know the market: Track government aviation programs, defense, airspace, and maritime security modernisation initiatives, multi-domain awareness programs, competitive movements, and emerging opportunities across your regions to inform strategy and shape demand early — before tenders are published.
  • Represent Spire: Raise Spire’s profile at airshows, defense and security exhibitions, and ATM and ANSP forums across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, generating qualified opportunities and strengthening the partner ecosystem.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally: Partner with product, engineering, legal, and customer success teams to align solutions with customer requirements — including data sovereignty, security, and compliance considerations for government buyers — and feed market insight back into the product roadmap.

Who You Are

  • A winning and growth mindset: a relentless hunter who goes out and creates opportunities, thrives on outbound pursuit, and treats every account as expandable.
  • 8+ years of experience in sales or business development selling data products, SaaS, or technology solutions in the Middle East and/or Asia-Pacific.
  • A proven track record selling through or alongside prime contractors, systems integrators, application service providers, resellers or data integrators (B2B2G) and to governments (B2G) — including positioning your solution as a subcontracted or embedded component of a partner-delivered program.
  • Experience structuring and negotiating reselling or distribution agreements with data integrators and software companies.
  • A demonstrated track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets and quotas.
  • Domain fluency in aviation, aerospace, defense, maritime data, or geospatial data, or deep experience selling digital transformation and analytics into government, security, or research organizations.
  • The range to grow with the role: comfort expanding into commercial deal cycles and a broader, integrated product portfolio as territory scope evolves.
  • A consultative, value-based selling style with excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, effective from working level to minister level.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships across cultures, time zones, and seniority levels.
  • Proficiency with sales tools (e.g., Salesforce or similar CRM, LinkedIn Sales Navigator).
  • Self-motivated, results-oriented, and effective working independently in a remote, globally distributed team.
  • Fluent in English, and willing to travel up to 50% across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific for customer meetings, partner engagement, and industry events.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, preferably in a high-tech field.

Bonus Points

  • Additional language skills relevant to the Middle East or Asia-Pacific regions (e.g., Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Bahasa Indonesia/Malay, Hindi).
  • Background or hands-on experience in flight operations (e.g., airline or cargo operations, dispatch, ANSP, or military flight operations).
  • Experience embedding data or technology products into contractor, systems integrator, or application service provider solutions or national programs.
  • Experience selling weather data, forecast services, or numerical weather prediction outputs into aviation, defense, or national meteorological customers.
  • Familiarity with geospatial data, ADS-B, air traffic surveillance, RF geolocation and signal-interference detection, satellite data, or AI/analytics applications built on aviation and weather data.
  • An existing network across civil aviation authorities, ANSPs, defense ministries, maritime and airspace security organisations, or the contractors and integrators that serve them in the region.

Why Spire?

  • Mission with impact: help governments and the ecosystems that serve them make their skies safer, more secure, and more efficient using data collected from space.
  • Real ownership: a large, high-potential territory spanning two regions and a full partner ecosystem, with the autonomy to build it your way.
  • A role designed to grow: a defined path into bundled Aviation + Weather and Aviation + RFGL offerings as Spire’s portfolio scales.
  • Competitive compensation: base salary plus uncapped commission, and equity participation.
  • Flexible, remote-first working within a collaborative, international team spanning four continents.
  • Generous time off, local statutory benefits, and support for professional development. (Specific benefits vary by country of employment.)

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses — this is not something candidates need to have before applying. Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Sales Manager – Aviation, Middle East & Asia-Pacific in Glasgow employer: Spire

At Spire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Mission Assurance QA Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of satellite technology in the UK, with access to cutting-edge AI/ML tools and a strong emphasis on professional growth and development. Our commitment to employee well-being and a supportive team environment makes Spire a truly rewarding place to advance your career.

S

Contact Details:

Spire Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sales Manager – Aviation, Middle East & Asia-Pacific in Glasgow

✨Leverage Your Network

In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!

✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results

When targeting a full-time role like Sales Manager – Aviation, Middle East & Asia-Pacific at Spire, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!

✨Engage with Sales Communities

Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.

✨Direct Applications Matter

While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Spire. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Manager – Aviation, Middle East & Asia-Pacific. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager – Aviation, Middle East & Asia-Pacific in Glasgow

Sales Management
Business Development
Partner Ecosystem Engagement
B2B2G Sales
Government Contracting
Negotiation Skills
Pipeline Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!

Tailor Your Message for Spire:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Spire. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!

Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!

Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!

How to prepare for a job interview at Spire

✨Know Your Sales Methodologies

Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Spire that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.

✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills

Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Spire that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.

✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios

In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!

✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision

Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Spire’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.