Technical Sales Manager in Chelmsford

SubConnect develops advanced technologies that transform wet‑plant solutions for subsea fibre optic cables. Open‑minded and boundary‑free in our approach to innovation, we challenge the status quo to deliver cutting‑edge solutions across telecommunications, scientific research, and defence. Working with SubConnect means joining a team that combines technology and creativity to redefine what’s possible in a traditional industry.

Purpose: We are looking for a commercially driven and technically credible Technical Sales Manager to drive business growth and revenue generation for SubConnect by securing new opportunities, developing customer relationships, and converting technical capability into commercial success. This is a pivotal role where the Technical Sales Manager leads on direct and indirect sales activity across SubConnect’s range of products and services, including Universal Joint, Piece Parts, Cable Qualification, Test Facility and Training School contributions, while providing expert technical and commercial support to the Technical Sales Team. The role is also responsible for maximising margin performance and leading the sales team.

Right to Work: To ensure our organisation complies with immigration rules, all candidates must provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK when applying. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor candidates or on Graduate visas.

• Drive the acquisition of new business to meet or exceed agreed departmental and individual sales targets.
• Partner with the wider Global Marine Group to maximise SubConnect‑related sales opportunities across existing and prospective accounts.
• Identify, qualify and maintain a robust pipeline of new telecom submarine cable system sales leads and opportunities, mapping target customer organisations and key decision‑makers.
• Manage and grow the existing customer base, strengthening client relationships and increasing sales penetration across SubConnect offerings.
• Define customer‑specific value propositions and critical success factors to create compelling, competitive sales solutions.
• Lead bid strategy development, providing technical and commercial input to produce high‑quality, contract‑winning proposals.
• Present proposals to customers and secure contract awards that meet SubConnect’s financial, commercial and operational criteria.
• Maintain a strong understanding of current market conditions, commercial drivers, sales targets and wider business objectives to inform decision‑making and sales strategy.
• Build and sustain strong customer relationships that support contract conversion, repeat business and long‑term growth in sales.
• Produce accurate sales reporting, market intelligence and competitor analysis, while maintaining a robust and up‑to‑date customer database for relevant market segments.
• Provide effective line management and development support to the Sales Team.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required:

• Significant experience within the telecoms market, with a strong understanding of the customer base, commercial landscape and industry drivers.
• A minimum of three years’ sales experience in a multicultural environment, with a proven track record of success in high‑value, business‑to‑business contract sales.
• Highly developed interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills, with a demonstrable ability to build, maintain and grow strong relationships with customers and internal colleagues.
• Strong commercial acumen, with a demonstrable ability to negotiate effectively and convert opportunities into profitable sales outcomes.
• A strong understanding of the political, economic and strategic dynamics within the industry, with the ability to identify and leverage these factors to support business growth.
• Willingness and ability to undertake occasional and, where required, some international travel.

Ideal:

• An established network of relevant industry contacts that would support an effective and accelerated start in the role.
• Proven ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries and collaborate within multi‑disciplinary and multicultural teams, while positively influencing and motivating others.
• High levels of energy, resilience and self‑motivation, with the ability to operate proactively and independently in a commercially driven environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to deliver high‑quality outcomes under demanding conditions and tight timescales.

Location: This role is based in the Chelmsford office and follows a hybrid working arrangement, with a minimum of three days in the office and two days working remotely each week.

Employee Benefits:

• Group Pension with access to Independent Financial Advisor
• Life Cover – inclusive with Group Pension Plan
• Private Medical Insurance and Medicash Plan
• Dental Scheme – at a subsidised cost
• Fitness Club Subsidy
• X2 Professional Subscriptions
• Cycle Scheme – as per the green initiative, approved by the Government scheme
• Eye Sight Test contribution
• Perkbox – employee discount scheme along with a Wellness Hub
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• Option to purchase an additional 5 days annual leave per year
• Long Service Awards
• Reward & Recognition
• Referral programme
• Employee Assistance programme
• Free on‑site parking – at all sites