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.
Specifically
Sales and Business Development
* 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
End:to:End Sales Process Ownership
* 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
Estimating and Quotation Management
* 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. Ensuring details are as per our quotation and liaising with the customer where necessary
Performance Management and Reporting
* 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
Systems, Process and Compliance
* 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
Team and Cross:Functional Leadership
* 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.
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