At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive defence sales and manage key relationships in a dynamic aerospace environment.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge engineering firm at the forefront of defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private healthcare, and a company pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in international defence markets with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in aerospace or defence sales and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for a Defence Sales Manager to join a growing advanced engineering and aerospace technology organisation developing highly specialised platforms and systems for defence, security and commercial applications. The business operates at the forefront of innovative aerospace and mobility technologies, delivering complex engineered solutions for demanding operational environments. With increasing international interest and significant long-term growth plans, the organisation is expanding its defence and security commercial capability across UK and export markets. This role sits within the commercial team and is focused on managing defence-sector business development activity across key UK and international territories. The successful candidate will support complex, long-cycle defence sales campaigns, coordinate international stakeholder engagement and help drive strategic growth across military and national security programmes.
This position is suited to a commercially driven sales professional with experience in aerospace, defence or technically complex engineering environments, who can manage strategic customer relationships and navigate highly regulated procurement environments.
Main Responsibilities:- Manage and prioritise defence and security sales opportunities across allocated territories
- Develop and maintain relationships with military, government and defence industry stakeholders
- Identify and pursue new international business opportunities across defence and aerospace markets
- Support defence sales campaigns from early-stage opportunity qualification through to contract award
- Coordinate with geographically dispersed commercial teams to ensure aligned messaging and campaign execution
- Lead outreach activity to both new and existing defence customers
- Support and mentor junior sales personnel as the commercial team expands
- Work closely with engineering, programme and marketing teams to support bids, proposals and customer engagements
- Represent the organisation at defence exhibitions, trade events and industry forums
- Maintain accurate CRM records and structured opportunity tracking processes
- Gather and communicate customer feedback to support future product and capability development
- Develop strategic relationships with defence primes, aerospace OEMs and export customers
- Experience within aerospace, defence, national security or technically complex B2B environments
- Proven experience managing long-cycle sales opportunities with government or regulated customers
- Strong understanding of defence-sector procurement and stakeholder environments
- Experience selling engineered hardware, aerospace systems or complex manufactured products
- Strong hunter mentality with experience generating new business opportunities autonomously
- International or export sales experience within defence or aerospace markets
- Experience using CRM systems and structured sales methodologies
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage senior military and government stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent campaigns
- Experience coaching, mentoring or managing junior sales staff
- Ability to interpret and communicate technical product information effectively
- Resilient, self-motivated and comfortable operating autonomously across geographically dispersed teams
- Eligible to obtain UK security clearance
- Prior military service or defence procurement experience
- Understanding of aerospace platforms, surveillance systems or defence capability integration
- Familiarity with defence acquisition or export control processes
- Existing relationships with defence primes or international defence organisations
- Experience within SME or high-growth engineering environments
- Hybrid working arrangement based in Bedfordshire, UK
- Minimum one day per week in the office with flexibility around travel and customer activity
- Frequent UK and international travel across Europe and wider export markets
- Opportunity to support highly innovative defence and aerospace programmes with international growth potential
- High-autonomy role with the ability to shape international business development activity
- Collaborative environment working alongside engineering, programme and commercial teams
- Long-term career growth within an expanding advanced technology organisation
- Private healthcare and company pension scheme available
Defence Sales Manager. Job in Elstow LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a pioneering advanced engineering and aerospace technology organisation in Bedfordshire, where innovation meets opportunity. As a Defence Sales Manager, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment that values your expertise and offers high autonomy in shaping international business development. With a focus on long-term career growth, private healthcare, and a company pension scheme, this role provides a meaningful and rewarding path in the dynamic defence sector.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Sales Manager. Job in Elstow LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend defence exhibitions and trade events to meet key players in the industry. Building relationships with military and government stakeholders can open doors for you, so don’t be shy about striking up conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to present or engage with potential clients, make sure to highlight your experience in managing long-cycle sales and your understanding of the defence procurement process. This will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised! Use CRM systems effectively to track your sales opportunities and maintain accurate records. This not only helps you stay on top of your game but also demonstrates your professionalism to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our growth in the defence sector. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Sales Manager. Job in Elstow LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Defence Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in aerospace and defence, and don’t forget to showcase any long-cycle sales successes you've had. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about defence sales and how your background aligns with our mission. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Defence Sales Manager, you'll need to engage with senior stakeholders. Make sure your application reflects your excellent communication skills. Whether it's through your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, clarity and professionalism are key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our innovative team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current trends and challenges in the defence sector. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in aerospace technology and understand the key players in the market. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their strategic growth.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of your past sales achievements, especially those related to long-cycle opportunities or government contracts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will demonstrate your ability to manage complex sales processes and highlight your hunter mentality.
✨Engage with Technical Insights
Since the role involves selling engineered hardware and complex systems, be ready to discuss technical aspects of products you've sold in the past. Brush up on relevant technical jargon and be prepared to explain how these products meet customer needs. This will show that you can effectively communicate with both technical teams and senior stakeholders.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
During the interview, focus on your relationship-building skills. Share experiences where you successfully engaged with military or government stakeholders. Highlight your understanding of procurement environments and how you navigated them to secure business. This will reassure the interviewers that you can manage strategic customer relationships effectively.
