Sales Manager (Capture Lead) – ISR in Crawley

Location: Crawley, United Kingdom. Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust.

The ideal location would be Crawley, although other Thales sites might be taken into consideration for the right applicant, noting a need for regular travel to Crawley. We can offer a hybrid approach to office and remote working. Circa. 40% remote but will need to be flexible to travel around the numerous Thales & Customer facilities/locations. Travel percentage: Up to 50%.

A skilled, experienced Sales Manager who will play a key role in securing high-value export contracts for ISR Electronic Warfare (Naval), expanding our presence in global defence markets. This role requires strong leadership in managing the end-to-end sales/capture process including; identifying and qualifying opportunities to fill the pipeline, engagement with senior external stakeholders and customers to understand their needs, setting the Price to Win, taking responsibility for bid governance reviews with senior management (up into the BL in France), coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver winning proposals, negotiating and concluding deals. To support this role the individual needs to be Radar EW/ISR literate.

Main Responsibilities:

• Promotes and sells a dedicated portfolio for potential opportunities;
• Takes in orders (sales function) through actions, ranging from pre-sales in cooperation with the KAMs/CDs and Business Development teams up to the end stages of sales finalization;
• Defines the international sales strategy for a project or, more broadly speaking, the sales approach in relation to a specific account in a target region/country, working in conjunction with the SAM/KAM;
• Ensures customer satisfaction in cooperation with the KAM through appropriate initiatives, addressing problems and complaints on a case-by-case basis;
• Contributes to promote upsell or market penetration opportunities with SAM/KAM;
• Able to successfully negotiate the terms of an agreement and close sales in line with expectations in an international environment;
• Captures information on aspects such as risks & opportunities, marketing and sales, to share in the GBU (including Bid/project teams), develops awareness of customer environment;
• Contribute to the sales teams and ensures that the necessary interactions take place with the countries, in particular through opportunity pipeline Reviews, Sitcom meetings and Business Forums.

Ideal Experience & Skills:

• Experience in Electronic Warfare.
• Leadership/ Ability to reassess strategy (strategic thinking) and champion innovative approaches and initiatives.
• Strong communication skills, partner relationship skills, and team leadership skills.
• Manages risk taking & fosters entrepreneurship.
• Promotes diversity and creates an inclusive environment.
• Ability to analyze and use sales automation tools (sales analytics, sales tracking, reporting, performance) and problem-solving skills.

Security Clearance Requirement: Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.