Strategy and Defence Sales Manager

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83000 employees on five continents. With over 7500 people in the UK operating across defence space aerospace and digital security we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Thales Alenia Space is at the forefront of delivering satellite systems that enable secure connectivity precise positioning and deeper exploration of our planet and beyond. As a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) and working closely with Telespazio through the Space Alliance we provide end-to-end space solutions for governments and commercial customers worldwide.

We are now seeking a senior Strategy & Defence leader to work directly with the UK CEO and executive team to define and deliver our UK growth strategyspanning defence institutional and commercial markets.

This is a high-impact role with direct influence on national-level programmes and future space capability.

The Role:
You will lead the development and execution of the UK strategy driving business growth across defence and institutional customers while shaping long-term investment priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Defining and delivering the UK strategic business plan in alignment with global TAS direction

• Leading capture strategies for major bids particularly within UK MoD and DSTL

• Owning and developing a 5-year pipeline with accurate forecasting and win probability

• Building and maintaining senior stakeholder relationships across UK Government and agencies

• Driving new business in spacecraft propulsion refuelling and wider defence applications

• Coordinating capture activities across the TAS joint venture

• Contributing to bid strategy including win themes competitor positioning and pricing strategy

You will play a central role in securing profitable growth influencing investment decisions and ensuring alignment across engineering operations and commercial teams.

What Youll Bring:

• Proven experience in strategy business development or capture leadership within defence space or aerospace

• Strong understanding of UK Government customers (e.g. MoD DSTL UKSA)

• Track record of winning complex high-value bids

• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead through collaboration rather than authority

• Strong commercial acumen combined with the ability to grasp technical concepts quickly

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

• Resilience adaptability and a results-driven mindset

Why Join Us:

• Direct influence on UK space and defence strategy

• Work on programmes ranging from lunar missions to advanced satellite systems

• Senior exposure to executive leadership and international stakeholders

• A collaborative high-performing environment at the cutting edge of space innovation

Benefits:

• Performance-related bonus

• Half day every Friday usually finishing around 13:00

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)

• 24 hours volunteering paid for

• Private healthcare

• Pension scheme

• Life cover

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app

• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers

• Gym membership discounts

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held however if not currently held it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo achieve and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.

To be eligible for full SC you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 some circumstances a minimum of 3 years residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance:

Thales we ensure equal opportunities pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance buying or selling annual leave cycle to work schemes employee discounts paid volunteering day stocks and shares annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes employee networks wellbeing policies and inclusive features here.

If this role isnt quite right for you we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

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