Senior Sales Manager - Defence

Client 1; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

New role

Succession pathway

Defence program exposure

Flexible working

Modern facilities

Competitive package

Job summary

Client 1 in Melbourne seeks a Senior Sales Manager to drive business growth across Australia and APAC within the Defence Land Systems sector. You will report to senior leadership, develop and maintain key customer accounts, and work with Defence stakeholders and international partners to deliver integrated solutions.

The role offers a clear succession pathway toward a future General Manager position, with a collaborative culture and flexible approach to work in modern facilities.

Qualifications

• Defence sector experience or military background preferred.
• Strong commercial acumen and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage tendering, bids and proposals.
• Willingness to lead a small team (1–2 direct reports) in time.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales and growth strategies across Australian and APAC markets.
• Build and maintain relationships with Defence, CASG and government bodies.
• Oversee full sales lifecycle from opportunity to contract award.
• Lead tender, proposal and submission activities.
• Collaborate with engineering, program and leadership teams.
• Represent the company at industry events and customer engagements.

Job description

This opportunity combines genuine leadership growth with exposure to some of the most important capability programs in the land domain. The role has been created as part of a broader growth and succession strategy, offering a clear pathway toward a future General Manager position.

Senior Sales Manager - Defence (Land Systems)

Melbourne

The Company

Our client is a highly regarded manufacturer of military platforms and capability solutions, supporting Defence, Law Enforcement and associated government markets both in Australia and internationally. With a long-standing reputation for excellence, innovation and reliability, the organisation is synonymous with the Land domain and plays a critical role in delivering mission-ready capability to end users. The business is known for its collaborative culture, supportive leadership team and flexible approach to work. Employees enjoy modern, purpose-built offices and facilities in a convenient Melbourne location, along with the opportunity to contribute to programs that make a meaningful impact. With ambitious growth plans and a commitment to succession planning, this is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Defence industry professional seeking the next step in their career.

Opportunity

As part of ongoing expansion and strategic growth initiatives, a newly created Senior Sales Manager position is now available. Reporting to senior leadership, you will be responsible for driving business growth across Australian and APAC markets while developing and maintaining key customer and industry relationships. The role will see you working closely with Defence stakeholders, international partners and complementary technology providers to deliver integrated solutions that address evolving operational requirements and emerging challenges. As the position grows, you will assume leadership responsibility for a small team, with 1-2 direct reports initially and further expansion anticipated.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales and business growth strategies across Defence and related markets
• Identify, qualify and pursue new opportunities within Australia and the wider APAC region
• Build and maintain relationships with Defence, CASG, government agencies, prime contractors and industry partners
• Manage the full sales lifecycle from opportunity identification through to contract award
• Support and lead tender, proposal and submission activities
• Develop strategic partnerships with international suppliers and technology providers
• Work collaboratively with engineering, program, commercial and leadership teams
• Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences and customer engagements
• Contribute to long-term business planning and succession initiatives

About You

To be successful, you will bring a strong understanding of the Defence environment together with commercial acumen and a passion for building trusted customer relationships.

Preferred Profile:

• Experience within the Defence industry and/or military service background
• Sales, Business Development, Account Management or related commercial experience
• A proven ability to develop and manage strategic customer relationships
• Experience working with Defence, CASG, government organisations or prime contractors
• Exposure to tendering, bids, proposals and commercial processes
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills
• A collaborative and team-oriented approach
• Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain or maintain relevant security clearances

What's On Offer

• Newly created role supporting significant business growth
• Opportunity to work for a respected leader within the Land Systems sector
• Clear succession planning pathway toward a future General Manager position
• Exposure to Australian and international Defence programs
• Supportive, collaborative and flexible working environment
• Modern facilities and excellent workplace culture
• Competitive remuneration package