Job Description

About Us

Based in Swindon, SDO Associates work with micro and SME size engineering and technology-based clients to grow their business within our specialist sectors. We do this in a range of ways, dependant on where their business is in its market development activity. We conduct commercial strategy reviews, market and competitor assessments, value proposition analysis and go-to market readiness assessments, as well as traditional business development activities including lead generation, networking, targeted sales campaigns and exhibition planning, support and attendance. We also have a range of independent associates and specialist service provision partners that we call upon to support our work, with decades of experience between them. We work in the Defence, Aerospace and Space sectors. Our client list is growing, thus we are looking for the right candidate to support the delivery of our services, as well as the onboarding of new clients.

Outline of Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an

Account Manager

to join SDO Associates at a pivotal stage in our growth journey. This role will initially report directly to our CEO, supporting the development of key relationships across the Defence, Aerospace and Space sectors, driving business growth for our clients, and expanding our own market presence. As the business scales, the role will transition to report into our COO, reflecting the opportunities for progression within the company.

This is a hands-on, client-facing role, critical to the execution of our strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will not only contribute to the growth of SDO Associates but also gain significant scope for professional development and career advancement.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct in-depth client, market, technology, competitor and end-customer research to inform key account strategies. Lead and execute sales and business development activities that drive top-line growth for key client accounts. Build and nurture strong relationships with both client stakeholders and industry campaign area contacts. Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities for clients, ensuring engagements are specific, relevant, revenue-generating and aligned to their growth objectives. Contribute to the design and delivery of tailored client growth strategies in partnership with senior leadership. Support the development of SDO Associates' brand and presence across Defence, Aerospace and Space sectors. Report lead, conversion and key campaign deliverables to the COO to inform business level KPIs.

What Success Looks Like

Consistently delivering measurable growth outcomes for client accounts. Building long term relationships with campaign area stakeholders. Strengthening SDO Associates' reputation as a trusted partner for SMEs entering or expanding in Defence, Aerospace and Space supply chains. Demonstrating initiative and ownership in identifying opportunities, building networks, and promoting clients. Adding tangible value to both clients and SDO Associates by generating new business and strengthening long-term relationships.

Role Details

Full-time, office-based in Swindon (with flexibility for travel to client sites and events as required). Competitive salary, with progression opportunities aligned to company growth.

Job Responsibilities & Duties

Become an expert in your allocated campaign areas

Deepen industry knowledge and understanding of your clients and their target market sectors

Account manage and build strong relationships with your key client accounts (minimum of three)

Build general knowledge of all our clients to enable passage of leads to other Account Managers

Conduct market, client and competitor research and analysis

Formulate and execute sales and campaign development strategies

Conduct prospecting and lead generation activity resulting in relevant and timely meetings for your key client accounts

Draft, review and add value to sales and marketing documentation

Liaise with key associates and partners to add value to our services

Build and maintain contact, company and deal records using CRM tools (Hub Spot)

Support clients at trade shows and events

Assist in closing and finalising deals

Compile and report lead, conversion and key campaign deliverables
Conduct other business focussed activity in support of the CEO, COO and CCO

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales or related field (desirable)

Familiar with CRM tools

Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience

Proficient in MS Office, SharePoint & LinkedIn

Highly organised and able to work on your own as well as part of a team

Strong project management skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Outgoing personality

Must have the right to work in the UK

Additional Information

Office based role, Swindon

0900 to 1700 with 30 mins unpaid lunch - 37.5 hrs per week

Company laptop

28 days annual holiday, including Bank and Public Holidays

Company pension

Company workwear

35,000 starting annual salary

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Free parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Swindon SN2 2PN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Do you have experience of CRM systems? If yes, which ones? Do you have experience of the Defence, Aerospace or Space sectors? If so, please outline to what level.
Education:

Bachelor's (preferred)
Experience:

Business development: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:

50% (preferred)
Work Location: In person