Key Account Manager

Contract type:
Permanent

Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 per annum

Location:
Cheltenham

I am supporting a leading subcontract precision engineering business supporting customers across the aerospace, defence, and advanced industrial sectors. Combining world-class machining, manufacturing, assembly, and quality capabilities with extensive R&D expertise, they deliver complex, high-value engineering solutions from prototype development through to full-scale production.

As part of their continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Aerospace Account Manager to develop and manage strategic relationships with major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

The Aerospace Account Manager will be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing key customer relationships within the aerospace, defence, and industrial markets. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams to position the company's advanced manufacturing capabilities and secure new business opportunities.

This is a consultative, customer-facing role requiring a strong understanding of precision engineering, advanced manufacturing processes, and the ability to manage complex technical projects from concept through to production.

• Develop and grow relationships with aerospace, defence, and industrial OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities that align with the company's engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
• Present compelling value propositions that clearly demonstrate technical, commercial, and operational benefits to customers.
• Manage complex customer projects throughout the sales lifecycle, from initial enquiry and quotation through development, industrialisation, and production.
• Work collaboratively with engineering and operational teams to develop innovative manufacturing solutions for customer challenges.
• Lead commercial discussions, contract negotiations, and long-term business development activities.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies within aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Prepare sales forecasts, account development plans, and regular pipeline reports.
• Represent the company at customer meetings, industry events, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

• Proven experience providing value propositions to large OEMs within the aerospace, defence, and industrial sectors.
• Track record of successfully managing complex engineering or manufacturing projects from concept through production.
• Strong knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques and methods, including CNC machining, precision engineering, assembly, supply chain management, and production processes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience selling technically complex manufacturing services into highly regulated industries.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels, from engineering teams through to procurement and executive leadership.
• Commercially aware with the ability to identify growth opportunities and convert them into profitable business.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards such as AS9100.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

• Experience with in a subcontract precision engineering environment.
• Understanding of NPI (New Product Introduction), prototyping, and low-to-medium volume production.
• Experience working with aerospace structures, engines, flight systems, defence equipment, or safety-critical components.
• Engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) or equivalent technical background.

• Opportunity to work with leading aerospace and defence organisations.
• Exposure to cutting-edge R&D and advanced manufacturing projects.
• Competitive salary
• Pension scheme and benefits package.
• Career development opportunities within a growing engineering business.
• 33 days holiday (inc Bank Holidays)
• Employee Health plan
• Life assurance

You will be a commercially driven account manager with a strong technical understanding of precision engineering and advanced manufacturing. You will have a proven ability to engage major aerospace and defence OEMs, develop strategic customer relationships, and successfully convert complex engineering opportunities into long-term production programmes. Your communication skills, project…