In support of a privately owned and successful SME UK based manufacturing Group, a new role of Sales Manager is required to support the growth of new and existing business by developing existing accounts and attracting new customers. Working closely with their Dartford manufacturing site on a hybrid basis as required, you will need a good knowledge of precision machining and manufacturing.
The Sales Manager is responsible for winning profitable new business and developing existing customer relationships inside and outside of the aerospace sector, while owning and managing the complete sales process from initial enquiry through estimating, quotation, and order conversion. It is accountable for generating a consistent pipeline of qualified enquiries through a combination of direct business development and targeted marketing activities.
This is a senior, hands-on commercial role combining business development, customer management and technical estimating, ensuring that all quotations are accurate, commercially robust, delivered on time and aligned to agreed margin and capacity targets.
Specifically:
Sales & Business Development
Actively identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities aligned to site capability, capacity and strategic objectives
Develop and grow existing customer accounts through structured account management and regular engagement
Represent the business professionally with customers, at meetings, site visits, and industry events
Work with senior leadership to support delivery of short, medium, and long-term sales growth plans
End-to-End Sales Process Ownership
Own the full sales lifecycle from RFQ receipt through to quotation issue and order handover
Ensure customer requirements are clearly understood, challenged where appropriate, and translated into accurate quotations
Maintain full visibility of the sales pipeline, conversion rates, and forecasted order intake
Estimating & Quotation Management
Lead and manage the estimating and quotation process, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and commercial discipline
Produce or oversee detailed costing models including cycle times, materials, subcontract processes, and overhead recovery
Ensure quotations meet agreed margin targets and are issued within defined turnaround times
Liaise with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations to obtain accurate technical and cost inputs
Ensure all quotation data is fully documented, auditable, and compliant with internal procedures and customer requirements
Manage the Commercial Review element of Contract Review process when a new PO is won. Ensuring details are as per our quotation and liaising with the customer where necessary
Performance Management & Reporting
Monitor and report sales performance, quotation performance, pipeline health, and conversion metrics
Provide regular updates to the Managing Director on performance, risks, and opportunities
Analyse sales and quotation data to identify trends, constraints, and improvement opportunities
Systems, Process & Compliance
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within the CRM and associated systems
Act as process owner for the sales and quotation workflow, ensuring procedures and work instructions remain current and effective
Address and close any non-conformances relating to the sales or estimating process
Ensure compliance with AS9100 requirements and internal quality standards
Team & Cross-Functional Leadership
Lead, support, and develop the Internal Sales / Estimating resource at site level (where applicable)
Manage workload planning, holidays, and performance reviews for direct reports
Act as the primary commercial interface between customers and internal departments
Support continuous improvement initiatives including LEAN and 5S where relevant to the sales function.
Marketing and Brand Development
Develop, implement and manage a site-level marketing strategy aligned to overall business growth objectives
Take ownership of the Company's online presence, including its website and LinkedIn account, ensuring content is current, professional and reflective of the Company's capabilities. Create and publish regular updates to promote our expertise, projects and successes
Work with internal stakeholders to identify and develop case studies, technical content and customer success stories for external promotion
Monitor and analyse the effectiveness of marketing activity, including engagement levels, lead generation and conversion into enquiries
Identify opportunities to enhance the Company's market presence, including industry events, exhibitions and digital channels.
Plan, organise and coordinate the Company's present at industry exhibitions and trade shows, including stand planning, logistics, promotional materials and post-event follow to maximise return on investment
To support this role, you will need:
Proven experience in a senior sales, commercial and/or estimating role within a precision engineering or manufacturing environment
Strong understanding of machining, manufacturing processes and technical drawings – specifically around turning
Demonstrable experience producing or managing detailed engineering quotations
Commercially astute, with a strong focus on margin, risk and order quality
Excellent communication skills, able to engage confidently with customers and senior stakeholders
Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple RFQs and priorities simultaneously
Strong analytical capability with confidence using CRM systems and sales data
High level of professionalism, integrity, and customer focus
Desirable
Experience working to AS9100 or equivalent aerospace / regulated standards
Experience managing or mentoring sales or estimating teams
Working knowledge of LEAN and continuous improvement principles
With a willingness to travel to customer locations as required in the UK, this is an ideal role for a growth focused individual.
Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency. In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.
…