Key Account Manager

Staffline; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffline is seeking an Aerospace Account Manager in Cheltenham to drive strategic relationships with major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. You will position our precision engineering capabilities and secure new business opportunities from concept to production.

The role emphasizes strong communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams. A UK driving licence and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience selling to aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Track record of managing complex engineering or manufacturing projects.
• Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Experience in regulated industries and knowledge of AS9100 is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow relationships with aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities aligned with capabilities.
• Present compelling value propositions across technical and commercial aspects.
• Lead commercial discussions, contract negotiations, and long-term BD activities.
• Manage projects from initial enquiry through to production and delivery.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Monitor market trends and provide accurate sales forecasts and plans.
• Represent the company at customer meetings and industry events.

Skills

OEM relationships

Account management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

People leadership

Job description

Account Manager - Aerospace

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 per annum

Location: Cheltenham

I am supporting a leading subcontract precision engineering business supporting customers across the aerospace, defence, and advanced industrial sectors. Combining world-class machining, manufacturing, assembly, and quality capabilities with extensive R&D expertise, they deliver complex, high-value engineering solutions from prototype development through to full-scale production.

As part of their continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Aerospace Account Manager to develop and manage strategic relationships with major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

The Role

The Aerospace Account Manager will be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing key customer relationships within the aerospace, defence, and industrial markets. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams to position the company's advanced manufacturing capabilities and secure new business opportunities.

This is a consultative, customer-facing role requiring a strong understanding of precision engineering, advanced manufacturing processes, and the ability to manage complex technical projects from concept through to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and grow relationships with aerospace, defence, and industrial OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities that align with the company's engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
• Present compelling value propositions that clearly demonstrate technical, commercial, and operational benefits to customers.
• Manage complex customer projects throughout the sales lifecycle, from initial enquiry and quotation through development, industrialisation, and production.
• Work collaboratively with engineering and operational teams to develop innovative manufacturing solutions for customer challenges.
• Lead commercial discussions, contract negotiations, and long-term business development activities.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies within aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Prepare sales forecasts, account development plans, and regular pipeline reports.
• Represent the company at customer meetings, industry events, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience providing value propositions to large OEMs within the aerospace, defence, and industrial sectors.
• Track record of successfully managing complex engineering or manufacturing projects from concept through production.
• Strong knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques and methods, including CNC machining, precision engineering, assembly, supply chain management, and production processes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience selling technically complex manufacturing services into highly regulated industries.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels, from engineering teams through to procurement and executive leadership.
• Commercially aware with the ability to identify growth opportunities and convert them into profitable business.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards such as AS9100.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within a subcontract precision engineering environment.
• Understanding