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 of the Defence Sales Manager (Bedfordshire, UK):
- 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
Requirements of the Defence Sales Manager (Bedfordshire, UK):
- 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
Desirable Experience:
- 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
Working Pattern & Benefits:
- 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
To apply for this Defence Sales Manager role, please send your CV to Kishan Chandarana:
Kchandarana@redlinegroup.Com
01582 878 830