My client is a recently invested, British manufacturer or specialist equipment.

They are experiencing significant ongoing change; a growth strategy including a new regional sales structure and team that has already delivered 30%+ growth.

Importantly, significant investment in R&D has fast tracked new products for emerging
opportunities from the optronics global market. They currently employs 80 people across
three sites in Kent, with its own comprehensive design, development and manufacturing
capabilities for military and non-military electro optical products. The employ an aggressive
growth plan to be a £30M T/O business.

The Defence & Security division has a long reputation in the design and manufacture of
military and non-military high precision optical equipment since 1848. The global client base
covers military, paramilitary and police customers from a diverse range of countries.

Role & Responsibilities

Reporting to the Sales Director, we are seeking a pro-active sales manager that can deputise for the Sales Director, taking ownership of key sales opportunities and prospecting for new business. Working closely with the rest of the sales team, this exciting new role will be responsible for managing office based sales activities across all International Defence and Security markets and sectors. Proven sales experience and a strong understanding of the Defence market including nightvision and or thermal imaging products would be preferred.

They will manage the day-to-day activities of the internal team, currently a sales administrator and business development executive, and support potentially three field based sales professionals. Proven sales skills are essential and they must be comfortable with and experienced at being client facing. Must be able to engage with and gain commitment from internal departments to meet client needs.

A robust understanding of UK export licensing would also be advantageous. The role will be predominately office based in Edenbridge, Kent but they will need to travel occasionally to visit clients and or attend key trade events and shows. A good working knowledge of CRM systems is required and must be PC literate. This role may suit an experienced Defence sales person that now prefers to travel less and seeks a new challenge, and would enjoy working within a new and growing sales team

Skills and Experience

· Excellent customer liaison and people management skills

· Internal technical sales experience in a busy business to business environment

· External sales experience would be beneficial

· Business development experience with technical products

· Highly numerate and literate, commercially aware

· Computer literate in MS Office, internet use & internal & other bespoke PC packages

· Ideally use of or some exposure to both ERP and CRM systems would be beneficial

· Basic technical knowledge of optical and electro mechanical products would be ideal

Personal Characteristics

· Enjoys the buzz and challenge of sales, understands the urgency and buying process

· Highly organized and efficient, PC literate, ideally CRM experience

· Responsive to changing priorities and demands

· Can do attitude - pragmatic problem solver - innovative and creative solutions

· Engaging and effective communicator at all levels

· International customer experience, sensitive to different cultures, buying dynamics etc.

· Engaging and open sales style

· Hard worker and team player

Please send your CV to apply for this role or call the office to discuss in more detail.

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