Job Description
We have been retained to source for a Sales Manager in the aerospace and defense sector, with a clear progression path to pave the way from Business Unit Leader to Vice President. You will be managing existing customers, with high visibility across the Business Unit Manager.
Job Summary of the Sales Manager:
As a Sales Manager, you will manage existing projects with niche high-value customers in aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. You’ll build long-term partnerships, collaborate with engineering and production teams, and shape solutions.
This role is integral to the company’s long-term strategy, with direct exposure to senior leadership and a defined pathway toward executive roles, including Business Unit Manager and ultimately VP- where equity incentives and broader business ownership become part of your rewards. You will take ownership of the full sales cycle, including contracts, and pricing, after winning the bid you will be an advocate for the customer to internal teams. It is a highly-visible, developmental role responsible for the oversight and management of the customer.
Day to Day of the Sales Manager:
- The Sales Manager works in collaboration with the Business Unit Manager (BUM) to oversee the customer’s account ensuring contractual compliance.
- The ideal candidate will perform regular sales and booking analysis, supporting the BUM in establishing the yearly business plan, overseeing activities to ensure customer service and price objectives are met, contract negotiation and other business-related activities.
Key Qualifications of the Sales Manager:
- A four-year college degree in a technical or business field
- Master’s degree in a technical discipline or MBA preferred but not required
- Eligible to work with ITAR-regulated data (U.S. person or eligible for authorization)
- Willingness to travel up to 25%
- 4 years of experience in a Technical Sales role in aerospace, defence or applicable manufacturing markets
What the Sales Manager will bring:
- A strategic mindset with an eye for identifying growth opportunities
- Passion for building lasting customer relationships with technical and executive stakeholders
- A self-starter approach, comfortable managing complex, high-value opportunities
- Desire to grow into a leadership role with P&L and operational responsibilities
- Motivation to eventually earn a seat at the executive table—with stock options and equity participation
Benefits of the Sales Manager Opportunity:
- Clear and structured career progression from Sales Manager ? Business Development Manager ? Business Unit Manager ? Vice President
- Lucrative stock options available at the VP level
- High-impact role with visibility to senior leadership and strategic initiatives
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies
- Fast-paced, innovation-driven work environment with strong team collaboration
- Compensation: $110K–$140K base + 10% bonus
- Relocation: Ideally a local candidate
If you’re ready to turn your sales acumen into a long-term leadership opportunity in a high-impact aerospace organization, please get in touch with our consultant Rabeel Imrane; Rabeel.imrane@rps-recruitment.com for a confidential search.
All candidates with relevant experience will be contacted within 24 hours.