Key Skills

Job Description

JOIN THE DEFENTURE TEAM As a Sales Manager at Defenture, you will be responsible for driving international sales activities and expanding our presence in key defense markets. You will focus on developing strategic relationships with ministries of defense, end users, industrial partners and other relevant stakeholders. Next to that, you will actively identify new business opportunities and help position Defenture as the preferred partner for light tactical mobility solutions. The role requires frequent international travel, attendance at exhibitions and close collaboration with internal teams such as engineering, program management and marketing. You will operate in an international and dynamic environment. You are responsible for the full commercial process: from opportunity identification and proposal development to contract negotiations and deal closure. To strengthen our commercial team, we are looking for a Sales Manager who is able to build and maintain long-term relationships with our international clients and partners. You report directly to the Sales Director. CONTENT OF THE ROLE As a Sales Manager, you: Actively develop and manage relationships with defense customers, partners and key stakeholders internationally Identify and acquire new business opportunities and contribute to achieving annual sales targets Translate customer requirements into compelling solutions in close cooperation with engineering and project teams Develop and submit high-quality proposals and follow up on submitted quotations Understand Defenture’s product portfolio, capabilities and unique selling points Lead or support contract negotiations and commercial discussions Represent Defenture at international exhibitions, trade shows and customer events Support project execution teams during contract realization when required Share market insights, customer feedback and competitive intelligence with internal stakeholders Maintain and update the CRM system accurately WHAT DO YOU BRING? Bachelor (HBO) or Master level thinking & working Minimum 5 years experience in defense, automotive or high-tech systems sales Affinity with defense and security markets is a strong advantage Strong ability to translate customer needs into technical and commercial solutions Professional, proactive and results-driven mindset Excellent commercial, communication and networking skills Ability to take ownership, initiative and operate independently Fluent in English and Dutch; German is a plus Willingness to travel internationally frequently WHY YOU WANT TO WORK AT DEFENTURE A competitive salary and benefits package tailored to your experience 27 vacation days and 13 additional leave days (ADV) based on a full-time employment A high degree of autonomy, responsibility and entrepreneurial freedom An international and mission-driven work environment Opportunities to travel and work with leading defense organizations worldwide A no-nonsense culture with short communication lines Room and budget for personal and professional development A motivated and dynamic team with strong team spirit *For every new employee, we request a certificate of conduct (VOG)

Core Responsibilities

Develop international defense sales and strategic customer and partner relationships, identify new business opportunities, and manage the commercial process from proposals through negotiations and deal closure. Represent the company at international events, collaborate with internal teams to shape customer solutions, support contract execution, and share market intelligence.

Requirements

Requires bachelor-level or master's-level thinking and working, with at least five years of sales experience in defense, automotive, or high-tech systems; familiarity with defense and security markets is an advantage. Candidates should be commercially minded, proactive, independent, and skilled at translating customer needs into solutions, with fluent English and Dutch; German is a plus, and frequent international travel is required.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• 27 Vacation Days
• 13 Additional Leave Days
• Autonomy and Responsibility
• Entrepreneurial Freedom
• International Work Environment
• Travel Opportunities
• Professional Development Budget
• Personal Development Opportunities