Apply for the Head of Sales role at Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Ltd (WDSL).

Overview

Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Ltd (WDSL) based in the UK is the Centre of Excellence for surface and sub‑submarine shaft lines, trusted by over 75 navies worldwide. As part of Wärtsilä Shaft Line Solutions (SLS), we deliver complete, mission‑critical shaft line solutions for submarines and naval vessels.

The SLS business is pursuing an exciting growth strategy and to accelerate our momentum, we are seeking an experienced UK sales manager to join our Business Development Team.

Role and What we are looking for

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and strategic Head of Sales to lead the navy sales business whilst helping to shape the future of Shaft Line Solutions (SLS). This pivotal leadership role is responsible for driving business performance, shaping sales & market strategies while building and leading high‑performing teams in a fast‑paced, growing business.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the existing SLS Global Sales organisation and lead, motivate, and manage operational activities of the SLS navy sales business; plan activities, set sales goals, and monitor performance to ensure targets are met.
• Develop and implement sales plans, activities, and campaigns for the global SLS navy business in line with business objectives & strategy.
• Build strong relationships with customers and partners (internal & external) to secure business opportunities and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Manage the sales pipeline and forecasts to ensure accurate planning and resource allocation.
• Coach sales & business development personnel and ensure teams have tools, resources, and training to perform effectively.
• Implement and refine sales processes and techniques to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Analyse market trends and customer feedback to inform product development and positioning.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations throughout sales & business development operations.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across delivery processes and systems.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.

Accountabilities

• Drive strategic growth of the SLS business within the global naval market, ensuring profitable growth while upholding the company's reputation for excellence.
• Maintain high levels of customer retention and satisfaction by delivering consistent value and proactively responding to customer needs.
• Strengthen alignment between SLS manufacturing sites, services portfolio, promoting collaboration, shared objectives and integrated approaches that support long‑term business success.

Qualifications – Knowledge and Experience

• Deep knowledge of the defence sector and preferably Marine/Ship Building experience with warships, submarines, or their equipment.
• Experience developing and implementing growth strategies, building teams from scratch, enabling new selling models, influencing senior stakeholders, and collaborating across a matrix in a global environment.
• Strong leadership skills, effective people management, commercial and business acumen, customer focus, clarity‑building in ambiguity, and strong networking.

Desired Competencies & Behaviours

• Continuous improvement and growth mindset.
• Collaboration to develop effective solutions.
• Leadership and inspiration to drive performance.
• Persistence and a long‑term delivery focus.
• Proactivity with a track record of initiative and results.

Why Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Ltd?

WDSL believes in empowerment, ownership, and responsibility. We support each other’s growth and value diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunities. We encourage everyone to voice opinions freely in an environment that values, respects, and embraces all cultures.

Application Process

If you are keen to join our growth ambitions, please submit through the WDSL careers portal a CV (max 2 sides) and a cover letter (max 1 side) covering:

• Past relevant experience.
• What matters to you and why you are interested in a career with WDSL.
• How you would measure success in this role.
• Your development areas and how you hope to address them within WDSL.

Security Restrictions

This position is subject to security restrictions and requires successful completion of a security clearance, which may be affected by nationality or place of birth.

EEO Statement

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities. Everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job‑relevant merits and abilities.

Last application date: 23/01/2026