Job Details

In support of a privately owned and successful SME UK based manufacturing Group, a new role of Sales Manager is required to support the growth of new and existing business by developing existing accounts and attracting new customers. Working closely with their Dartford manufacturing site on a hybrid basis as required, you will need a good knowledge of precision machining and manufacturing.

The Sales Manager is responsible for winning profitable new business and developing existing customer relationships inside and outside of the aerospace sector, while owning and managing the complete sales process from initial enquiry through estimating, quotation, and order conversion. It is accountable for generating a consistent pipeline of qualified enquiries through a combination of direct business development and targeted marketing activities.

This is a senior, hands-on commercial role combining business development, customer management and technical estimating, ensuring that all quotations are accurate, commercially robust, delivered on time and aligned to agreed margin and capacity targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities aligned to site capability, capacity and strategic objectives
• Develop and grow existing customer accounts through structured account management and regular engagement
• Represent the business professionally with customers, at meetings, site visits, and industry events
• Work with senior leadership to support delivery of short, medium, and long-term sales growth plans
• Own the full sales lifecycle from RFQ receipt through to quotation issue and order handover
• Ensure customer requirements are clearly understood, challenged where appropriate, and translated into accurate quotations
• Maintain full visibility of the sales pipeline, conversion rates, and forecasted order intake
• Lead and manage the estimating and quotation process, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and commercial discipline
• Produce or oversee detailed costing models including cycle times, materials, subcontract processes, and overhead recovery
• Ensure quotations meet agreed margin targets and are issued within defined turnaround times
• Liaise with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations to obtain accurate technical and cost inputs
• Ensure all quotation data is fully documented, auditable, and compliant with internal procedures and customer requirements
• Manage the Commercial Review element of Contract Review process when a new PO is won
• Monitor and report sales performance, quotation performance, pipeline health, and conversion metrics
• Provide regular updates to the Managing Director on performance, risks, and opportunities
• Analyse sales and quotation data to identify trends, constraints, and improvement opportunities
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within the CRM and associated systems
• Act as process owner for the sales and quotation workflow, ensuring procedures and work instructions remain current and effective
• Address and close any non-conformances relating to the sales or estimating process
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 requirements and internal quality standards
• Lead, support, and develop the Internal Sales / Estimating resource at site level (where applicable)
• Manage workload planning, holidays, and performance reviews for direct reports
• Act as the primary commercial interface between customers and internal departments
• Support continuous improvement initiatives including LEAN and 5S where relevant to the sales function
• Develop, implement and manage a site-level marketing strategy aligned to overall business growth objectives
• Take ownership of the Company's online presence, including its website and LinkedIn account, ensuring content is current, professional and reflective of the Company's capabilities. Create and publish regular updates to promote our expertise, projects and successes
• Work with internal stakeholders to identify and develop case studies, technical content and customer success stories for external promotion
• Monitor and analyse the effectiveness of marketing activity, including engagement levels, lead generation and conversion into enquiries
• Identify opportunities to enhance the Company's market presence, including industry events, exhibitions and digital channels
• Plan, organise and coordinate the Company's presence at industry exhibitions and trade shows, including stand planning, logistics, promotional materials and post-event follow-up to maximise return on investment

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior sales, commercial and/or estimating role within a precision engineering or manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of machining, manufacturing processes and technical drawings – specifically around turning
• Demonstrable experience producing or managing detailed engineering quotations
• Commercially astute, with a strong focus on margin, risk and order quality
• Excellent communication skills, able to engage confidently with customers and senior stakeholders
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple RFQs and priorities simultaneously
• Strong analytical capability with confidence using CRM systems and sales data
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and customer focus

Desirable:

• Experience working to AS9100 or equivalent aerospace / regulated standards
• Experience managing or mentoring sales or estimating teams
• Working knowledge of LEAN and continuous improvement principles

Additional Information

With a willingness to travel to customer locations as required in the UK, this is an ideal role for a growth focused individual.

Your CV will be forwarded to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] are those of an Employment Agency.

Contact: Matthew Heath – [contact hidden] | Phone: [contact hidden] | Job Ref: 71527