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- Tasks: Drive sales growth in the naval sector and manage key customer relationships.
- Company: Leading global engineering firm with a focus on naval and defence solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and exposure to major international programmes.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence high-value projects in a senior role.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales management within engineering or defence sectors required.
- Other info: Home-based role with international travel opportunities and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A leading global engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to support growth within the naval and defence sector. This is a permanent, senior commercial role offering the opportunity to work on high-value, complex programmes with international customers.
The role sits within a specialist marine systems business and focuses on selling integrated engineering solutions across new build and lifecycle programmes. This is predominantly a home-based role, with the flexibility to attend site around once per quarter. Typical travel requirements will be around 1 week per month, visiting customers overseas.
The Role
As Sales Manager, you will be responsible for driving strategic sales growth across the naval market, working closely with internal engineering, manufacturing, and services teams to deliver customer-focused solutions. You will act as a key commercial interface for naval customers, leading opportunity development from early engagement through to bid submission and contract award. This role requires strong coordination across multiple internal stakeholders and the ability to shape compelling commercial offerings aligned to customer requirements. You will also provide market insight into naval trends and customer needs, contributing to longer-term strategy and pipeline planning. The role can be based from an existing company location and involves regular international travel.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute account plans and sales strategies within the naval sector
- Identify, develop, and manage sales opportunities across new build and lifecycle programmes
- Lead bid and capture activity, coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality proposals
- Drive pipeline development, forecasting, and reporting to support business planning
- Act as the primary commercial point of contact for key customers
- Ensure solutions meet customer specifications and regulatory/export compliance requirements
- Build and maintain strong, long-term customer relationships
About You
- Proven experience in a Sales Manager or senior business development role within engineering, marine, defence, or naval markets
- Strong understanding of complex engineered products and manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated ability to translate customer requirements into commercial and technical solutions
- Confident leading bids, influencing stakeholders, and closing high-value opportunities
- Highly self-motivated, commercially astute, and customer-focused
- Willing and able to travel internationally as required
What’s on Offer
- Permanent role with a globally recognised engineering organisation
- Exposure to major naval and defence programmes
- Autonomy and influence within a senior commercial position
- Competitive salary and benefits package
If you are interested, please apply!
Sales Manager in Portsmouth employer: STR Group
Contact Detail:
STR Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the naval and defence sector. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and their recent projects in the naval market. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can drive sales growth. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When chatting with potential employers, highlight specific successes in your previous roles. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've driven sales and built strong customer relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in the naval and defence sector, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the job description and show your passion for the industry.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your skills in managing complex sales processes and leading cross-functional teams. We want to see how you can translate customer needs into effective solutions, so be specific!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at STR Group
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the naval and defence sector. Understand current trends, key players, and challenges. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can drive strategic sales growth.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your success in sales management, particularly in engineering or defence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves coordinating with multiple internal teams, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and lead bids effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's strategy in the naval market and how they approach customer relationships. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
