At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead defence accounts and drive high-value sales cycles in a growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Innovative UK-based company focused on battery cell production for defence and energy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape strategy, and influence long-term revenue.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in a high-growth sector and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in defence or complex B2G/B2B environments with a proven track record.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A high-growth, UK-based advanced manufacturing business is building a critical domestic capability in battery cell production, supporting defence, energy, and industrial electrification. As part of its next phase of growth, the organisation is seeking a Commercial Director (Defence) to establish and lead its defence commercial function. This is a foundational role with significant influence over strategy, customer engagement, and long-term revenue generation.
Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, you will own and develop key defence accounts, guiding them through long, high-value sales cycles and towards commercial agreements.
Key Responsibilities- Own and develop 5–8 priority defence accounts
- Progress opportunities through complex procurement processes
- Map stakeholders and decision-makers
- Drive accounts towards paid evaluation and agreements
- Build relationships with defence primes and integrators
- Provide market intelligence
- Prepare accounts for negotiation
- 10+ years in defence or complex B2G/B2B environments
- Experience with MOD or defence primes
- Track record closing £1m+ deals
- Experience with RFIs, RFQs
- Ability to build relationships from scratch
- Battery, energy, or manufacturing experience
- Scale-up experience
- Security clearance (SC/DV)
- Government networks
- Stakeholder management
- Commercial discipline
- Strong communication
- Ability to manage long sales cycles
- Political awareness
- Self-sufficient working style
- Persistent and resilient
- Calm under pressure
- Proactive and decisive
- Entrepreneurial mindset
For a confidential discussion please apply.
Sales Director - Defence in London employer: The Green Recruitment Company
Join a pioneering UK-based advanced manufacturing business that is at the forefront of battery cell production for defence and energy sectors. As a Sales Director, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Enjoy the unique advantage of contributing to a critical domestic capability while being part of a supportive team that encourages entrepreneurial thinking and resilience.
Contact Details:
The Green Recruitment Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director - Defence in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that Sales Director role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products, market position, and recent news. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can drive their defence commercial function.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with complex sales cycles. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully navigated long procurement processes or closed high-value deals. This is crucial for a role like Sales Director in defence, so make sure your stories are sharp!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare and stand out. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team in this exciting growth phase.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director - Defence in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Sales Director - Defence. Highlight your experience in defence or complex B2G/B2B environments, and don’t forget to showcase those impressive £1m+ deals you've closed!
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 foundational role. Mention your ability to build relationships from scratch and your experience with MOD or defence primes.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, emphasise key skills like stakeholder management and strong communication. We want to see how you can drive accounts towards paid evaluations and agreements, so give us examples!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Green Recruitment Company
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current trends and challenges within the defence sector. Research recent developments, key players, and government initiatives. This will not only show your passion for the industry but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully closed high-value deals, especially those over £1m. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your strategic approach and the impact of your efforts on previous organisations.
✨Map Out Your Stakeholder Strategy
Be ready to explain how you would identify and engage key stakeholders in the defence sector. Discuss your experience with complex procurement processes and how you’ve navigated them in the past. This will demonstrate your understanding of the sales cycle and your ability to build relationships from scratch.
✨Demonstrate Your Resilience
Given the long sales cycles in defence, it’s crucial to convey your persistence and resilience. Share anecdotes that illustrate how you’ve overcome challenges or setbacks in previous roles. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle pressure and remain focused on achieving results.
