At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead defence sales and secure government support for innovative hybrid aircraft.
- Company: Join Vertical Aerospace, a pioneer in electric aviation with a mission to redefine aerospace.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, performance bonuses, and a company share scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence aviation and make a real impact in a fast-growing company.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership in defence sales and a network within UK MOD and NATO.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Our Mission
At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take‑off and landing), “zero emissions” aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky. We will not follow legacy processes; we want to redefine aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner‑level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.
What to Expect
You will be joining Vertical Aerospace as Head of Customer – Defence, leading our commercial approach for defence opportunities focused mainly on the UK, Europe, NATO and allied nations. You will be accountable for defining and executing the strategy to secure government support, funding and defence partnerships that help progress our hybrid aircraft ambitions and shape our defence offering.
What You’ll Do
- Lead Vertical Aerospace’s defence sales activity, building and executing a commercial strategy focused on UK, European, NATO and allied nation opportunities.
- Secure government support and funding to advance our hybrid aircraft roadmap, including opportunities linked to defence innovation programmes and operational demonstration activity.
- Develop compelling defence value propositions and campaign plans that position our aircraft and related technologies against relevant mission needs.
- Build and maintain senior relationships across ministries of defence, armed forces, procurement bodies, innovation organisations and defence stakeholders.
- Identify, assess and pursue opportunities to place Vertical on relevant defence programmes, demonstrations and future programmes of record.
- Establish and grow the partnership ecosystem needed to bring a defence solution to market, including engagement with defence primes, mission system providers, autonomy partners and propulsion‑related collaborators.
- Help shape the defence product direction by translating market and operator needs into clear commercial input for internal teams.
- Work cross‑functionally with engineering, procurement, programme, strategy and leadership teams to support bids, proposals and externally funded opportunities.
- Provide clear insight on market priorities, competitor positioning and route‑to‑market options to guide Vertical’s defence growth.
- Explore adjacent commercial opportunities for powertrain and technology‑related sales where Vertical’s capabilities may have defence relevance.
- Represent Vertical Aerospace credibly in external defence forums, customer discussions and partner engagements.
- Build the foundations of Vertical’s defence commercial capability as a highly self‑directed leader operating effectively in a lean, fast‑moving environment.
What You’ll Bring
- Strong leadership experience in defence sales, business development or strategic partnerships, with a track record of winning and shaping complex opportunities.
- Proven experience selling into or working with UK MOD, European defence organisations, NATO‑aligned customers or allied government stakeholders.
- A well‑established professional network and the credibility to open doors, build trust and navigate defence buying environments at senior levels.
- Experience developing pitches, submissions, bids or funding cases for defence innovation programmes, operational demonstrations or longer‑term capability programmes.
- Good understanding of how to position air platforms, advanced aviation, UAV, drone, helicopter or adjacent aerospace capabilities for defence use cases.
- Ability to work independently and resourcefully, with the judgement to prioritise opportunities and drive momentum without relying on a large team.
- Experience building effective partnerships across a complex ecosystem, including defence primes, technology providers and industrial collaborators.
- Commercial acumen combined with the ability to translate customer and market needs into clear product and business recommendations.
- Confidence working cross‑functionally with technical and engineering teams to shape credible external propositions.
- Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills in high‑stakes, evolving environments.
- International outlook with experience operating across non‑US defence markets, particularly in the UK and Europe.
- Relevant commercial, engineering, aerospace or defence background through degree‑level study or equivalent industry experience.
Our Benefits
- 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday
- 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)
- 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership
- Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits
- Award‑winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)
- Company performance‑based bonus – rewarding company and individual performance
- Company Share Scheme – open to every Vertical employee
- Company Pension Scheme – 5% and we match it
- Breakfast on us, every day
We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognize that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.
Head of Customer - Defence employer: Vertical Aerospace
At Vertical Aerospace, we are not just redefining aerospace; we are creating a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Remote Senior Structural Test Engineer, you will enjoy the flexibility of home working while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to pioneering electric aviation. With a strong focus on employee growth, mentorship opportunities, and a commitment to safety and excellence, we offer an environment where you can truly thrive and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in aviation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Customer - Defence
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Vertical Aerospace for a Head of Customer - Defence. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Customer - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Vertical Aerospace, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Vertical Aerospace, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Aerospace
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Vertical Aerospace.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Vertical Aerospace. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Vertical Aerospace love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
