Strategic Account Executive - Aerospace and Defence

IFS is expanding its footprint in the UK Aerospace & Defence market. We are seeking a strategic, results-oriented professional to lead growth across key accounts in the UK Aerospace & Defence market. You will work as part of both the IFS One Europe & LatAm team and the Global Aerospace & Defence team, collaborating closely with regional and global stakeholders.

IFS is independently recognised as a leading global supplier of enterprise software specifically designed for the A&D market, providing solutions for:

• Aerospace & Defence manufacturing – enabling complex industrial programmes
• Commercial aviation – delivering solutions for airlines and MRO providers
• Defence – supporting regulated programmes and military operations
• Fleet and asset management – optimising lifecycle performance
• Military logistics – ensuring supply chain readiness
• Services and performance-based logistics – driving efficiency and value

This role offers the opportunity to lead strategic new business pursuits while expanding existing complex engagements. You will also develop relationships across the broader UK defence and aerospace supply chain. The role is ideal for ambitious, commercially-driven leaders seeking to grow IFS’s presence in the UK.

Responsibilities

 

• Prepare, update, develop, and own the Key Account Strategy for named strategic accounts
• Drive the end-to-end sales process, from customer engagement and understanding customer needs and buying processes, through to ownership of the RFI/RFP process
• Take overall responsibility for customer satisfaction, working closely with IFS service delivery and partner teams
• Collaborate with the Global Aerospace & Defence Team  to build strong internal networks and secure regional support
• Lead and coordinate ecosystem partners for complex A&D opportunities
• Engage with executive-level and state-adjacent stakeholders to secure alignment, drive and deliver strategic outcomes

Essential skills / experience

• Extensive experience selling large, complex enterprise software solutions
• Proven track record in enterprise sales at C-level with customers exceeding £1bn revenue
• Demonstrated success with large transactions and lengthy sales cycles in a fast-paced, consultative, and competitive market
• Sales experience within the defence, aerospace and/or government sectors
• Strong knowledge of the Aerospace & Defence industry
• Excellent English oral and written communication business presentation skills
• Proven ability to lead multi-functional teams and orchestrate complex partner ecosystems

Preferred skills / experience

• Enterprise software sales experience, preferably in a related industry
• Experience leading large, complex accounts and driving value-based outcomes
• Familiarity with regulated procurement environments and public-sector sales processes

We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.