Head of Global Defence Sales

James Fisher and Sons plc; Westhill; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering services company is seeking a Head of Global Sales to lead their international revenue growth strategy in the defence market. This role involves executing a sales strategy, expanding market share, and developing strong relationships with military clients. The ideal candidate possesses significant knowledge of the naval sector, a proven record in international sales, and the ability to manage high-performing teams across different regions. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered along with career development opportunities.

Benefits

Early finish on Fridays

Competitive salary and benefits package

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the naval sector and procurement rules.
• Proven track record of achieving or exceeding order intake targets.
• Expertise in managing international defence portfolios.
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in an international matrix.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute global defence sales strategy for revenue growth.
• Identify and prioritize new markets and strengthen existing ones.
• Align sales strategy with overall business objectives.
• Lead and mentor regional sales teams across geographies.
• Manage customer negotiations to secure long-term success.

Skills

Extensive knowledge of the defence market

Proven track record in managing international defence portfolios

Experience building high‑performing teams

Expertise in technical sales processes

Strong commercial acumen

Exceptional negotiation and communication skills

Ability to foster strategic relationships

Willingness to travel internationally

Job description

UK based

Full-time, permanent

Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Role

Are you ready to lead a world‑class sales organization and make a global impact? We’re looking for a visionary Head of Global Sales to drive international revenue growth, shape our global sales strategy, and inspire a high‑performing team across multiple markets.

In this role, you’ll take ownership of our global defence sales strategy—accelerating growth, expanding market share, and unlocking new opportunities worldwide. You’ll identify and prioritize emerging markets, channels, and customer segments while strengthening relationships in established regions.

The will work closely with the Senior Leadership team to align sales strategy with overall business goals.

They will develop enduring relationships with military clients and industry partners.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own and execute a global defence sales strategy to accelerate revenue growth and expand market share.
• Identify and prioritize new markets, channels, and customer segments while strengthening existing ones.
• Align sales strategy with overall business objectives through close collaboration with senior leadership.
• Lead, mentor, and scale high‑performing regional sales teams across multiple geographies.
• Optimize global sales processes, forecasting models, and performance metrics for predictable results.
• Drive major customer negotiations to secure long‑term commercial success.
• Implement best‑in‑class CRM practices, pipeline management, and sales enablement tools.
• Collaborate with Finance, Marketing, and Product teams on budgeting, demand generation, and go‑to‑market strategies.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with key global customers, partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Monitor market trends and competitive landscapes to develop tailored value propositions for diverse regions.

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive knowledge of the defence market, particularly the naval sector, and a strong understanding of defence procurement rules, cycles, and models.
• Proven track record in managing international defence portfolios and consistently achieving or exceeding order intake targets.
• Experience building and developing high‑performing teams within an international matrix organization.
• Expertise in complex, high‑value technical sales processes, including tenders, bids, and account management.
• Strong commercial acumen with exceptional negotiation, communication, and influencing skills at senior levels.
• Ability to foster strategic relationships with key stakeholders and drive long‑term partnerships.
• Willingness to travel internationally, sometimes at short notice.

Why join us?

• Early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.

About Us

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting‑edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry. Explore more about JFD. If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!

Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.

About You

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