What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager - Aerospace/Defense Technical Sales position at SPIRIT ELECTRONICS?
Company Description:
Spirit Electronics is a veteran-owned, woman-owned value-added supplier of high reliability components, engineering services and superior supply chain solutions. With a history rooted in serving the military and space industries, Spirit strives to be a valued partner to key technology sectors. As an award-winning distributor, Spirit delivers authorized products and a range of value-added services, including SMI/VMI, foundry access, electrical and environmental testing, design, assembly, and end-of-life management.
Position Overview:
The Technical Sales Manager is a key leadership role at Spirit responsible for driving sales performance and team development in our technical sales division. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, sales acumen, and managerial skills to effectively lead a team of technical sales representatives. The ideal candidate will oversee the sales strategy for Spirit’s engineering services, MIL-STD testing, and circuit card assembly solutions while fostering strong relationships with key customers and industry partners.
Essential Job Functions:
- Lead and mentor a team of technical sales representatives, providing guidance, training, and support to achieve individual and team sales targets
- Develop and implement sales strategies and tactics to expand market share and penetrate new markets within the aerospace and defense industry
- Oversee the entire sales cycle, from prospecting to closing deals, ensuring high standards of customer service and technical accuracy
- Collaborate with senior management to set sales goals, forecast sales performance, and develop business plans aligned with company objectives
- Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to identify new business opportunities and inform Spirit’s engineering service strategies
- Build and maintain relationships with high-value customers and key decision-makers in target organizations
- Work closely with other departments (engineering, corporate sales, operations) to ensure seamless delivery of products and services to customers
- Conduct regular performance reviews, set KPIs, and manage the professional development of the technical sales team
- Oversee the preparation of complex technical proposals, presentations, and contract negotiations for major accounts
- Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences, and networking events to promote Spirit’s capabilities and generate leads
- Monitor and report on sales metrics, pipeline management, and team performance to senior leadership
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and export control laws in all sales activities
- Collaborate with Marketing to develop effective sales collateral and technical marketing materials
Requirements:
- 7-10 years of technical sales experience within the aerospace and defense industry, with at least 3 years in a managerial role
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field; technical background a must
- Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets and growing market share
- Deep understanding of microelectronics, semiconductors, and EEE components used in aerospace and defense applications
- Comprehensive knowledge of MIL-STD testing procedures, engineering services, and supply chain logistics in the aerospace and defense sector
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing sales team
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of an organization
- Strategic thinking and analytical skills to develop and execute complex sales strategies
- Proficiency in CRM software, ERP software, sales analytics tools, and MS office, especially Excel
- Experience in contract negotiations and proposal development for government and defense contracts
- Ability to travel for customer meetings, industry events, and business development activities
- Strong presentation and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $100,000 - $110,000
