Head of Sales in Havant

Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Ltd (WDSL) based in the UK is the Centre of Excellence for surface and sub-submarine shaft lines, trusted by over 75 navies worldwide. As part of Wärtsilä Shaft Line Solutions (SLS), we deliver complete, mission‑critical shaft line solutions for submarines and naval vessels. The SLS business is pursuing an exciting growth strategy and to accelerate our momentum, we are seeking to add an experienced UK sales manager to our Business Development Team.

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and strategic Head of Sales to lead the navy sales business whilst helping to shape the future of Shaft Line Solutions (SLS). This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving business performance, shaping sales & market strategies whilst building and leading high‑performing teams in a fast‑paced, growing business.

Working closely with the existing SLS Global Sales organisation, this role leads, motivates and manages the operational activities of the SLS navy sales business, planning activities, setting sales goals, and monitoring performance to ensure targets are met. Monitors sales volume, revenues, and costs against forecasts to identify problem areas; and adapts procedures or re‑allocates resources to improve the overall performance of the SLS navy sales business.

Develops and implements sales plans, activities and campaigns for the global SLS navy business in line with business objectives & strategy. Cultivates strong relationships with customers and partners (internal & external) to secure business opportunities and enhance customer satisfaction, understanding their needs and providing tailored solutions. Manages the sales pipeline and forecasts to ensure accurate planning and resource allocation. Monitors sales performance, prepares sales forecasts and budgets, monitors sales volume, revenues and costs against forecasts to identify deviations, and adapts activities and resource allocation to improve sales performance.

Coaches sales & business development personnel and ensures the sales & business development teams have the necessary tools, resources, and training to effectively perform their roles. Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging the sales team to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions. Implements and refines sales processes and techniques to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Analyses market trends and customer feedback to inform product development and positioning. Contributes to the development of sales, customer retention, pricing, and distribution strategies through market intelligence and customer information, and by understanding market trends. Ensures compliance with company policies and industry regulations throughout the sales & business development operations.

Drive continuous improvement and innovation across delivery processes and systems. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.

As Head of Sales, you will be accountable for the following:

• Driving strategic growth of the SLS business within the global naval market, ensuring profitable growth whilst upholding the company's reputation for excellence.
• Ensure high levels of customer retention and satisfaction by ensuring your team deliver consistent value, growing strong relationships and respond proactively to customer needs.
• Strengthen alignment between SLS manufacturing sites, services portfolio, promoting collaboration, shared objectives and integrated approaches that support long‑term business success.

To be successful in this role, we expect you to have:

• Knowledge of the defence sector
• Preferably Marine/Ship Building of either warships or submarines or their equipment
• Defence within a NATO context
• Sales strategies and implementation

• Developing and implementing a growth strategy
• Building a team from scratch
• Enabling new selling models
• Influencing stakeholders at a senior level
• Collaborating across a matrix
• Working in a global environment
• Strong leadership skills
• Good commercial and business acumen
• Ability to develop clarity where there is ambiguity
• Strong networker

• Continuous Improvement and growth mindset
• Collaborates to develop effective solutions
• Leads and inspires others to perform
• Persistent and driven to deliver over long term
• Proactive, with a track record of taking initiative and driving results.

At WDSL we believe in empowerment, ownership and taking responsibility for our work. We support each other’s growth and believe this to be the true basis of our innovation. Together, we have courage to see opportunities and take initiative. We are authentic and honest. We value, respect and embrace all cultures, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities. We want everyone to voice their opinions freely. That is why we have built an environment that empowers you and everyone around you, where you will feel valued, safe and cared for. Everyone can be their true self and succeed in reaching their full potential.

Are you eager to be part of the WDSL growth ambitions? If you are keen to be part of our plans for growth as a WDSL Sales Manager, please provide, through the WDSL careers portal, a CV (maximum 2 sides) and a covering letter (maximum 1 side) covering the following:

• What is important to you and why you are interested in a career with WDSL
• How you would measure your success in this role
• What your development areas are and how you would hope to address them within WDSL to our mutual benefit

Security Restrictions: Please be aware that this position will be subject to security restrictions and the successful candidate must successfully complete a security clearance. This means that factors including your nationality, and previous nationalities you have or have held and/or your place of birth may limit the role you can perform for the business.