Head of Sales & Marketing

Hays; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job description

Head of Sales & Marketing

Location: Lincoln

Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 base, 20% bonus, £5,400 car allowance

Lead Growth in Global Markets

Are you a strategic sales leader who thrives in the fast-paced, hands-on world of an SME rather than the layered structure of a corporate giant? Hays in Lincoln is exclusively partnering with an innovative client to recruit a Head of Sales and Marketing to drive their commercial success. This role is perfect for someone who excels at both high-level strategy and operational execution, delivering results in an industry with long lead times and complex sales cycles - all without the safety net of multiple departments.

About the Opportunity

Our client, a forward-thinking SME in Lincoln, has navigated the extended sales processes which are typical in the defence sector, along with significant product research and design, for nearly 25 years. With a growth strategy focused on multi-year deals across the UK and abroad, they serve a global customer base spanning the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Far East, selling directly to end users and via agents. Growth potential shines brightest in the Middle East, where expanding existing accounts and re-engaging past customers is key. Leading a tight-knit team of three (a Marketing Manager, Business Development Associate, and Sales Administrator), you’ll shape the business’s future in a lean, agile environment.

The Role

This is a hands-on leadership position tailored for an SME mindset—someone who can craft a vision, evaluate large enquiries, and complete tender responses without relying on sprawling corporate support. You’ll exhibit at UK and international trade shows, manage key accounts, and drive double-digit growth, all while mentoring your team. Operating at both strategic and operational levels, you’ll align marketing with business goals and navigate lengthy sales cycles to secure long-term wins.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership: Build a business development and marketing strategy suited to long lead times, driving growth without extensive departmental backing.
2. Hands-On Sales: Assess major enquiries, prepare and submit tender responses, and close deals.
3. Team Leadership: Guide a team of three, fostering accountability and excellence in a lean SME setting.
4. Key Account Management: Strengthen client and agent relationships through visits, managing quotations, and growing the pipeline.
5. Market Insight: Identify trends and opportunities, guiding pricing and product development.
6. Trade Show Presence: Representing the business at UK and global trade shows, building connections in a hands-on capacity.
7. CRM & Reporting: Maintain CRM accuracy and deliver sales insights for weekly/monthly reviews and S&OP input.

What You’ll Do Day-to-Day

1. Lead tender responses and evaluate large enquiries to secure multi-year contracts.
2. Mentor your small team to succeed in an SME environment with minimal bureaucracy.
3. Travel to meet clients and agents, closing deals through extended sales cycles.
4. Exhibit at trade shows, balancing operational tasks with strategic networking.
5. Forecast sales and provide market insights to shape the business’s direction.
6. Work with internal stakeholders to align new products with customer needs.

What We’re Looking For

1. Minimum 3 years’ experience in a sales and marketing leadership role, ideally from an SME background where you’ve worn multiple hats.
2. Proven success managing international agents, resellers, and partners, exceeding targets without corporate resources.
3. Hands-on experience evaluating enquiries and completing tenders in a lean operation.
4. Strong people leadership skills, thriving in small teams without extensive support structures.
5. Ability to operate strategically and operationally at a senior level in an SME context.
6. Willingness to travel.
7. Integrity, reliability, attention to detail, and a proactive, hardworking approach.

Why This Role?

With a base salary of £70,000-£75,000, a 20% bonus linked to revenue and profitability, and a £5,400 car allowance, this role suits an SME Sales leader who relishes autonomy. You’ll travel regularly, perhaps a trip to the Middle East or shorter UK/Europe visits, all while leading from the Lincoln office. In this SME, you won’t have layers of departments to lean on, but you’ll have the freedom to shape strategy and deliver results your way. If you’re from an SME background and ready to lead through complexity, this is your chance to shine.