Defence Account Manager Safety & Security

Are you commercially successful in the defence market and energised by complex sales processes, tenders and building strategic customer relationships? Do you have a background in the armed forces, or a proven commercial track record with defence organisations and defence suppliers?
Then we would be delighted to meet you.

As Defence Account Manager, you will be responsible for further growing our activities within the defence sector. You will develop new commercial opportunities, build lasting relationships and manage complex sales processes and tenders from start to finish. You understand how the defence market operates, are familiar with its decision-making processes and know how to turn commercial opportunities into long-term partnerships.

You will immerse yourself in the market, identify developments and translate them into a clear commercial strategy. Together with our Engineering department, you will develop customer-focused solutions that meet the specific requirements of defence organisations and their suppliers.

Your role

• You are responsible for independently expanding the customer portfolio within the defence sector, with a strong focus on both end customers and suppliers throughout the defence supply chain.
• You develop new business and build strategic relationships with prospects and existing customers.
• You manage complex sales processes and tenders from initial contact through to successful completion.
• You maintain and deepen existing customer relationships with the aim of long-term collaboration and maximum customer satisfaction.
• You analyse market developments and translate them into a commercial plan and concrete actions.
• You advise customers on logistics and packaging challenges and translate their needs into suitable technical solutions.
• You report to the Sales Manager and work closely with Engineering, Customer Service and Procurement to deliver the best solutions for the customer.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of professional and intellectual ability;
• You know the defence world from the inside or have already proven your commercial success within it. You have a background in the armed forces or a demonstrable track record as an account manager or business developer working with defence organisations and defence suppliers. As a result, you understand the market, speak the customer’s language and know how to successfully manage complex commercial processes.
• You have experience with complex sales processes, solution selling and, preferably, public procurement procedures and tenders.
• You are a strong communicator, professional in appearance and a confident discussion partner at different organisational levels.
• You work independently and take responsibility for your own results. You are entrepreneurial, results-oriented and able to actively identify, pursue and further develop commercial opportunities.
• You have an excellent command of Dutch and English.

As a person:

• You are a natural networker and thrive in an environment where trust, quality and long-term relationships are central.
• You enjoy opening doors, switch easily between operational, tactical and strategic levels, and have the patience and persistence required for long sales cycles in the defence sector.
• You regularly travel to customers, networking meetings and events, and are comfortable arranging your schedule flexibly.
• If you come from the armed forces and are moving into the private sector without direct sales experience, we will coach and train you in commercial skills, using your knowledge of the defence domain, network and operational experience as the foundation.

 What we offer you

You will be joining a warm family-owned company where people come first and collaboration and commitment are a natural part of how we work. We attach great importance to a pleasant working atmosphere and celebrate successes together. We round off the week with Friday afternoon drinks, and every month you can enjoy our shared Faes lunch.

In addition to an engaging professional challenge and 150 motivated colleagues who care deeply about the business, you will have a great deal of freedom in how you carry out your work. Your initiatives will be valued and will have a direct impact on the business.

You will also receive a competitive salary, 29 days’ annual leave, flexible working hours, a pension scheme, mobile phone, laptop, company car and profit-sharing bonus.

Working at Faes?

Has this vacancy made you enthusiastic, and would you like to work in an industry and at a company where things are really happening? Do you have the knowledge, skills and drive we are looking for? Please email your application to Meike van Schaaijk, HR Manager at Faes, at HR@faes.nl. We would like to receive your CV and a brief cover letter.

We do not appreciate unsolicited approaches from recruitment agencies regarding this vacancy.