This position is to lead the acquisition of new business for the Vision4ce business sector in Chess, working as part of the wider company Sales & Marketing team. The Vision4ce Sales Manager will identify new business opportunities, develop and qualify them and secure customer orders. They will also manage existing customer accounts and travel regularly within the UK and internationally to meet customers and represent the company at trade shows and market events. They will work closely with engineering colleagues to feedback customer and market trends to shape new product development. The Sales Manager will be a member of the Sales Team and will report into our Business Development Director. They will work closely with engineering and operations colleagues, and with the wider Sales & Marketing team. Key Responsibilities: Achievement of specific defined elements of the order intake budget for the Vision4ce sector in accordance with the overall Chess company budget. Identification of new business opportunities for the Vision4ce brand products. Qualification of new opportunities according to fit with company strategy, capability requirements, competition, resource availability and PWin. Develop and maintain a strong and healthy pipeline of prospects and opportunities. Provide input for company sales forecasts and budgets Present summaries of new prospects and opportunities to the Senior Leadership Team for review and decision. Build close relationships with key customers Make regular visits to both UK and international customers. Attend international trade shows and events Work closely with customers to ensure that their requirements and expectations are clearly understood and managed. Develop and maintain a good technical understanding of company products and capabilities. Work with the engineering team to feedback market trends and drivers to assist in the development of innovative solutions to customer requirements. Capture and disseminate relevant competitor and market intelligence Skills & Experience Essential Degree in a scientific or engineering discipline. Experience in a customer-facing role in an engineering environment (not necessarily sales) Strategic thinker, who recognizes business opportunities and their potential impact on the overall business. Strong team player with a collaborative mindset. 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. Achievement of SC clearance. Desirable Experience of image processing and computer vision technologies. A good understanding of image sensor technologies. Experience of complete electro optic systems. Experience in the defence industry. Knowledge of the UK, European and international defence markets. Prior experience in a sales or business development role. 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: Eligible for Sales bonus scheme Car allowance 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. LI-NM1