Head of Sales

Position: Head of Sales (Permanent)
Fortress Recruit is working with a well-established defence engineering organisation to appoint a Head of Sales (Navy), supporting long-term growth across complex naval and submarine programmes.

This is a brand-new senior leadership role, created to establish and lead a dedicated naval sales function. The successful candidate will take full ownership of naval sales strategy, shaping commercially robust solutions for mission-critical equipment operating in highly regulated defence environments.

Key responsibilities:

* Owning and delivering the naval sales strategy, pipeline development and forecasting

* Leading, developing and scaling a dedicated naval sales team

* Managing and growing relationships with navies, MOD stakeholders, shipbuilders and prime contractors

* Driving sales activity across new build, upgrade and lifecycle support programmes

* Leading opportunity development, capture planning and bid governance

* Translating complex technical, operational and regulatory requirements into winning commercial solutions

* Working closely with engineering, bids, programme and customer support teams to ensure aligned delivery

* Providing market insight to inform long-term naval strategy and investment decisions

To be considered for this role, you’ll have:

* Considerable senior sales or business development leadership experience within the naval or defence sector

* Proven success managing complex, long-cycle, high-value defence opportunities

* Strong understanding of working with MODs, navies, shipbuilders and prime contractors

* Experience selling complex engineered or manufactured systems in regulated environments

* Credibility and confidence engaging senior military, governmental and executive stakeholders

* A collaborative, structured leadership style with strong commercial acumen

* Current security clearance or eligibility to obtain (5 years UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement)

The role plays a pivotal part in driving long-term growth, influencing strategy, and leading complex sales activity across new build and through-life support programmes globally. It is an excellent opportunity to join a respected defence organisation at a pivotal stage of growth, offering genuine strategic influence, autonomy and long-term career progression.

This is a Hampshire-based role with hybrid working, including regular UK travel and international travel as required. On offer is a competitive senior salary, alongside a corporate bonus and benefits package.

For a confidential conversation or to request a full job description, please get in touch with Becki at Fortress Recruit