Customer Logistics Support (CLS) Sales Manager

Reporting to the Business Development Director and joining the Sales team, the Customer Logistics Support (CLS) Sales Manager plays a key role in business acquisition for the CLS business stream in Chess by working closely with the CLS Department, ILS (Engineering) and Bids and Proposals colleagues.

Key Responsibilities:

Achievement of specific defined elements of the order intake budget for the CLS sector in accordance with the overall Chess company budget.

Identification of new business opportunities in the CLS sector, from both existing and new customers.

Qualification of new opportunities according to fit with company strategy, capability requirements, competition, resource availability and PWin.

Lead the development of CLS value propositions for existing and new customers, working closely with colleagues in ILS and CLS in particular.

Contribute to the development and maintenance of a strong and healthy pipeline of CLS prospects and opportunities.

Contribute to funnel management of the CLS order pipeline.

Assume accountability for specific CLS bids and proposals and provide the 'voice of the customer'.

Develop strong relationships with key customers and end users in the UK, Europe and internationally.

Provide CLS sector contributions for the Chess company strategy and investment cases.

Contribute to wider company aftermarket strategy.

Provide CLS sector input to company sales forecasts and budgets.

Present summaries of new CLS prospects and opportunities to the Senior Leadership Team for review and decision.

Capture and disseminate relevant defence industry best practice in CLS.

Lead or play a role on non-CLS campaigns and bids when necessary.

Operate in compliance with Chess Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policies, including with all partners and company representatives.

Skills & Experience

Essential

Experience in a UK MoD role or in the UK defence industry.

Interest and aptitude for solving customer support and maintenance challenges.

Knowledge of the UK, European and international defence markets.

Strong team player with a collaborative mindset.

Strategic thinker, who recognizes business opportunities and their potential impact on the overall business.

Ability to work well under pressure and on several simultaneous opportunities and campaigns.

Strong customer relationship building skills and understanding and appreciation of their challenges.

Ability to maintain and operate with high ethical standards at all times.

Desirable

Prior experience in a sales or business development role.

Direct experience of CLS, ILS or wider customer support services.

Broad understanding of emerging technologies (software, hardware, network) and their potential relevance to Chess products & services.

Personal Attributes

Results-driven.

Collaborative team player.

Dynamic and motivated.

Keen to learn new skills, gain new experience and develop further.

Ability to impact and influence.

Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbally and written.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

The ability to embrace the company values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Courage.

Work life balance:

37.5 hour working week.

Lunchtime finishes on a Friday.

Hybrid / flexible working arrangements.

28 days annual leave.

Christmas closure.

Holiday purchasing scheme.

Benefits:

Group pension plan - matched contributions up to 5%.

Income protection scheme and Employee Assistance Programme.

Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations.

Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline.

Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme.

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.

Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the addition of mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing.

Regular sports and social activities.

Gym membership discounts.

Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings).

Recruitment referral bonus scheme.

Excellent learning & development opportunities.

Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all our locations.

Security Clearance Requirements:

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.

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