Head of Sales – Defence (Naval Systems)- Hampshire (with international travel)- Extremely competitive package including car allowance and generous bonus....
Overview
A leading global engineering organisation is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Sales to lead its naval business within a specialist division focused on mission-critical systems for submarines and surface vessels. This is a high-impact leadership role within a growing international business, offering the opportunity to shape market strategy, drive commercial performance, and build a world-class sales function.
The Role
Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will take ownership of the naval sales business, leading business development activities across global markets. You will define and execute sales strategy, manage complex customer relationships, and ensure delivery of sustainable, profitable growth.
This role requires close collaboration across a global, matrixed organisation, working with engineering, operations, and service teams to align commercial objectives with delivery capability.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute global sales and market strategies aligned with business growth objectives
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing sales and business development team
- Manage the sales pipeline, forecasting, and budgeting processes to ensure accuracy and performance
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers and partners across the naval defence sector
- Identify and secure new business opportunities in international markets
- Monitor sales performance, analysing revenue, margins, and costs against forecasts
- Drive continuous improvement in sales processes, tools, and ways of working
- Collaborate across functions to ensure alignment between manufacturing, service delivery, and customer expectations
- Provide market intelligence to inform product development, pricing, and positioning strategies
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and internal policies
About You
Experience & Knowledge
- Strong background in the defence sector, ideally within marine, shipbuilding, or naval systems
- Experience operating within a NATO or international defence context
- Proven track record of developing and delivering growth strategies
- Experience building or transforming sales teams and introducing new selling models
- Demonstrated success influencing senior stakeholders and operating within global matrix organisations
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
- Effective leader with the ability to inspire and develop teams
- Customer-focused, with the ability to build long-term partnerships
- Strong analytical and forecasting capabilities
- Comfortable operating in complex, ambiguous environments
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Personal Attributes
- Driven, proactive, and results-oriented
- Collaborative mindset with a focus on shared success
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Resilient and persistent, with a long-term perspective
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to shape and lead a critical business area within a growing global organisation
- Exposure to international markets and high-profile defence programmes
- A collaborative and forward-thinking working environment
- Competitive salary and executive benefits package
Additional Information
This role is subject to security clearance. Eligibility may be influenced by nationality and/or previous residency.
If you’re a senior commercial leader looking to make a significant impact in the defence and marine sector, we would welcome your application.