At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead growth and shape sales strategy for Under Water Systems in the UK.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader in defence and security.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, annual bonus, employee discounts, and more.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in defence or technology sectors and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Templecombe, 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. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
Location: Bristol and/or Templecombe (with frequent UK and international travel)
Security Clearance: SC Clearance required (or ability to obtain)
Lead Growth. Shape Strategy. Deliver Impact.
Thales is seeking an experienced and strategic Sales Director to lead the growth agenda for our Under Water Systems UK business. Reporting to the Managing Director, Under Water Systems UK, and working closely with the UK Chief Growth Officer, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering our sales strategy across the UK and key international export markets. You will play a pivotal role in identifying new opportunities, building senior customer relationships, influencing future capability requirements, and driving sustainable business growth. This is an opportunity to lead a high-performing sales organisation whilst contributing to the delivery of critical defence and security capabilities that support the UK and its allies.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver the UWS UK sales and growth strategy.
- Drive profitable growth through achievement of Order Intake, revenue and market share objectives.
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the UK Ministry of Defence, international customers, partners and industry leaders.
- Lead the pursuit of strategic UK and export opportunities.
- Work closely with Bid, Capture, Commercial and Account teams to secure successful business outcomes.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing and inclusive sales team.
- Represent Thales internally and externally as a trusted strategic partner.
What We're Looking For
- A proven track record of delivering growth within defence, aerospace, security, technology or similarly complex sectors.
- Experience working with government, military or major industrial customers.
- Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
- The ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Success operating within complex, matrix organisations.
At Thales, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of defence technology, work alongside talented colleagues and contribute to projects that make a real difference to national security. We value diverse perspectives and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If your experience aligns with much of what we're looking for, we'd encourage you to apply.
Closing Date: 2/10/2026
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.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
Sales Director UWS employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Glasgow where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a performance-related bonus and generous leave policies, and a commitment to inclusivity, Thales empowers its employees to thrive while contributing to critical projects in the Sea sector. Join us to be part of a team that values your unique strengths and supports your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director UWS
✨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 Director UWS at Thales, 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 Thales. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Director UWS. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director UWS
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 Thales:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Thales. 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 Thales
✨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 Thales 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 Thales 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 Thales’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.
