Sales Manager - Defence

Michael Page (UK); England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to drive growth in the industrial and manufacturing sector. The role involves building long-term partnerships with defence primes and managing the sales cycle from prospecting to negotiation. Candidates should have a proven sales record and strong communication skills, along with the ability to navigate the defence landscape. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous holiday allowance

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in technical sales or business development within the defence market.
• Demonstrable track record of winning business, £2M to £10M plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a sales strategy to grow market share.
• Build and manage relationships with OEMs and system integrators.
• Lead the sales cycle from prospecting to contract award.

Skills

Results-oriented mindset

Technical sales experience

Relation-building skills

Negotiation skills

Comfortable in a matrix environment

Job description

About Our Client

This role is within a medium-sized organisation operating in the industrial and defence sector. The company is known for its innovative solutions and commitment to delivering high-quality products to its clients.

Job Description

This is a strategic sales role focused on building long-term partnerships with defence primes, OEMs, integrators, and key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong commercial mindset, a proven ability to navigate the defence landscape, and the credibility to engage with customers at all levels – from engineering teams to senior procurement leaders.

The Sales Manager will:

• Develop and execute a sales strategy to grow market share within the global defence sector.
• Build and manage relationships with OEMs, system integrators, Tier 1 suppliers, and government agencies.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across land, sea, and air programmes.
• Lead the sales cycle from prospecting and bid activity through to negotiation and contract award.
• Translate complex technical capabilities into clear commercial value propositions.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product, and programme teams to align solutions with customer requirements.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings globally.
• Maintain accurate pipeline and forecasting data within the CRM system.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Sales Manager should have:

• Results‑oriented mindset with a focus on achieving targets.
• Proven experience in technical sales or business development, within the defence market.
• A background in mechanical, electromechanical, or systems engineering is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong understanding of the defence prime, sub prime landscape, language, and customer environment.
• Demonstrable track record of winning business, 2M to 10M plus.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Comfortable working in a matrix environment and collaborating across engineering, commercial, and programme functions.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Opportunity to work in a thriving industrial and manufacturing environment.
• Supportive company culture with opportunities for professional growth.

If you are an experienced Sales Manager looking for a new opportunity in the industrial and manufacturing industry, we encourage you to apply today.