Key Account Manager

STS Defence; Gosport; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

STS Defence is seeking an experienced Key Account Manager to lead and grow strategic relationships within the defence sector. You will align customer requirements with our engineered production capabilities to deliver technically and commercially sound solutions.

The role combines an engineering/technical manufacturing background with proven account management expertise in a highly regulated environment. You will build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and drive long-term

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in customer service or account support.
• Prior experience within defence, military, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing is desirable.
• Strong attention to detail with high standards of delivery.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key defence clients, acting as the primary point of contact.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and project management teams to ensure delivery meets technical, contractual, and quality requirements.
• Identify and develop account growth opportunities, including new programmes, product applications, and service offerings.
• Lead commercial activities across assigned accounts, including contract management, variations, and pricing considerations.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, balancing client needs with organisational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, security, and quality standards within a highly regulated defence environment.
• Monitor customer requirements, industry trends, and competitor activity to inform account strategy and delivery.
• Conduct project closure analysis and reporting, capture lessons learned, and apply insights to continuous improvement.

Skills

Account management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

MS Office proficiency

Tools

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Key Account Manager to lead and grow strategic customer relationships within the defence sector. This is a pivotal role, responsible for building long-term partnerships, unlocking new commercial opportunities, and driving sustainable revenue growth.

Working at the intersection of customer requirements and our engineered and manufactured production capabilities, you will ensure we consistently deliver solutions that meet both technical and commercial objectives. The ideal candidate will combine a strong engineering or technical manufacturing background with proven account management expertise, ideally gained within a highly regulated industry.

If you are commercially driven, technically credible, and skilled at building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, this is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping and growing strategic defence partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key defence clients, acting as the primary point of contact and trusted partner
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and project management teams to ensure delivery of solutions that meet technical, contractual, and quality requirements
• Support the identification and development of account growth opportunities, including new programmes, product applications, and service offerings
• Lead commercial activities across assigned accounts, including contract management, variations, and pricing considerations, with sound commercial judgement
• Engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, balancing client needs with organisational priorities
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, security, and quality standards within a highly regulated defence environment
• Monitor customer requirements, industry trends, and competitor activity to inform account strategy and delivery
• Conduct project closure analysis and reporting, evaluating financial and delivery performance, capturing lessons learned, and applying insights to continuous improvement and future account activities

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in customer service or account support, ideally within electronic or electro-mechanical manufacturing environments
• Prior experience within the defence, military, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing sectors is highly desirable
• Strong attention to detail, with a consistent ability to uphold high standards of delivery, quality, and accuracy

Competencies

• Demonstrates good written and verbal communication skills
• The candidate must be proficient in MS Office applications

Additional Information

SECURITY – All candidates must be in a position to obtain UK security clearance to SC level. Additional restrictions may apply on certain defence programmes.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)