Sales Manager

Smiths Detection; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Sales Manager to drive sales and business development in the security technology sector. This role is crucial for managing key accounts and leading a team to exceed sales targets. You'll be at the forefront of innovative solutions that enhance safety and security across various markets, including aviation and urban security. With a focus on strategic growth and client satisfaction, this position offers a dynamic environment where your contributions will directly impact the company's success. If you're passionate about sales and technology, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in sales and business development in technology sectors.
• Experience in complex and regulated environments like aviation and defense.

Responsibilities

• Drive new business opportunities and manage key accounts.
• Lead a team and ensure sales targets are met or exceeded.
• Collaborate with internal departments for seamless customer experience.

Skills

Sales Management

Business Development

Client Relationship Management

Market Prospecting

Solution-Based Selling

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Certifications in Sales or Business Development

Tools

SAP

Job description

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Our market leading technology helps prevent the illegal trafficking of narcotics, weapons, explosives and harmful chemicals, making the world a safer place.

The Senior Sales Manager is an integral and important part of Smiths Detection NWE (North West Europe) carrying the overall sales responsibilities for specific market verticals in specified territories.

This position is an individual contributor role with management of up to three (3) direct reports in support of the role and will assume responsibility for the sales of Smiths Detection's range of security screening systems for specific market verticals.

Additional responsibilities include all aspects of the sales process.

Duties:

Business Development/Sales Management:

• Drive the successful closure of new business opportunities with both new and existing customers across assigned markets.
• Consistently meet or exceed annual sales quotas and performance targets within the assigned territory.
• Lead and manage complex bid opportunities, coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure timely submission, alignment with governance requirements, and stakeholder buy-in across the business.
• Take full ownership of key strategic accounts, ensuring long-term client satisfaction, growth, and retention.
• Build and manage a strong, sustainable sales pipeline aligned with business objectives.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Sales Plan for the assigned market vertical, including both qualitative and quantitative insights.
• Provide senior leadership with regular updates and recommendations to capture market opportunities.
• Maintain a deep understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscape, and customer drivers to shape strategic sales direction and inform annual budgeting processes.
• Lead and support a team of up to three direct reports, coaching them for high performance, professional growth, and delivery of their individual sales targets.
• Own the accuracy and timeliness of sales reporting for your region, ensuring all data is properly maintained within SAP and aligned with business needs.
• Identify and champion continuous improvement initiatives across the sales function to drive efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
• Explore and capitalize on new business opportunities to drive new customer acquisition and revenue growth.
• Foster long-term client relationships and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction across all touchpoints.
• Collaborate proactively with internal departments including Marketing, Programs, Operations, and Finance to ensure a seamless customer journey and successful delivery of commercial goals.

Oversee and execute all stages of the sales cycle, including:

• Market prospecting and lead qualification
• Development of customer relationships
• Organization and delivery of tailored product demonstrations
• Representation at key industry events, exhibitions, and conferences
• Preparation and negotiation of commercial quotations and proposals
• Take a key role in developing and contributing to major proposal submissions.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, including participation in product and sales training programs.
• Actively contribute to internal sales meetings and strategic planning sessions.
• Ensure full compliance with company policies including health, safety, environmental, business ethics, and all applicable export/import control and security regulations.
• Perform any additional tasks as assigned by the Sales Director in support of business goals.

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; a degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field is strongly preferred.
• Additional certifications in Sales, Business Development, or Management are advantageous.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Proven track record of success in Sales, Business Development, or Commercial Leadership, ideally involving high-value, capital-intensive technology solutions.
• Experience selling into complex and regulated environments such as Aviation, Ports & Borders, Urban Security, or Defence sectors.
• Demonstrated success operating within a structured, process-driven, and metrics-focused sales organization.
• Strong understanding of solution-based selling methodologies and strategic account development.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity. We have several employee-led Employee Resources Groups (women@work, Black Employees Network, Veterans, Pride Network) providing support, enhancing career development, and contributing to personal development in the work environment and beyond.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (www.smithsdetection.com/careers)or LinkedIn.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Sales and Business Development

• Industries

  Security and Investigations, Airlines and Aviation, and Defense and Space Manufacturing

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