Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Sales Director - Under Water Systems UK

Location: Bristol and/or Templecombe (with frequent UK and international travel)
Security Clearance: SC Clearance required (or ability to obtain)

Lead Growth. Shape Strategy. Deliver Impact.

Thales is seeking an experienced and strategic Sales Director to lead the growth agenda for our Under Water Systems UK business.

Reporting to the Managing Director, Under Water Systems UK, and working closely with the UK Chief Growth Officer, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering our sales strategy across the UK and key international export markets. You will play a pivotal role in identifying new opportunities, building senior customer relationships, influencing future capability requirements, and driving sustainable business growth.

This is an opportunity to lead a high-performing sales organisation whilst contributing to the delivery of critical defence and security capabilities that support the UK and its allies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the UWS UK sales and growth strategy.
• Drive profitable growth through achievement of Order Intake, revenue and market share objectives.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the UK Ministry of Defence, international customers, partners and industry leaders.
• Lead the pursuit of strategic UK and export opportunities.
• Work closely with Bid, Capture, Commercial and Account teams to secure successful business outcomes.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing and inclusive sales team.
• Represent Thales internally and externally as a trusted strategic partner.

What We're Looking For

You'll bring:

• A proven track record of delivering growth within defence, aerospace, security, technology or similarly complex sectors.
• Experience working with government, military or major industrial customers.
• Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
• The ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Success operating within complex, matrix organisations.

Why Thales?

At Thales, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of defence technology, work alongside talented colleagues and contribute to projects that make a real difference to national security.

We value diverse perspectives and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If your experience aligns with much of what we're looking for, we'd encourage you to apply.

Closing Date: 2/10/2026

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At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.
 

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

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