Sales Director - Aviation

International Sales Director – Government & Airborne Connectivity (REMOTE)

Holt Executive has been retained to support the appointment of an International Sales Director – Government & Airborne Connectivity on behalf of a market-leading provider of airborne connectivity, satellite communications, aircraft software, and aerospace engineering and certification services.

Supporting government, defence, VVIP and commercial aviation customers worldwide, our client has established itself as a specialist in airborne SATCOM integration, aircraft modification, EASA Part 21 design and certification, and managed connectivity solutions. As the organisation continues its international expansion, they are seeking an experienced sales leader to drive strategic growth across EMEA, APAC and LATAM.

This is a senior, customer-facing leadership opportunity for an experienced sales professional with a strong background in airborne SATCOM, inflight connectivity (IFC), aerospace or defence. Working remotely from anywhere in Europe, you will lead a small international sales team whilst personally managing complex, high-value sales campaigns across military, government, VVIP and commercial aviation markets.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing new business, strengthening strategic customer relationships, and positioning the business as a leading provider of airborne connectivity and aircraft integration solutions globally.

Key Responsibilities for the International Sales Director – Government & Airborne Connectivity:

Develop and execute international sales strategies to accelerate growth across EMEA, APAC and LATAM.
Lead complex sales campaigns involving airborne SATCOM, aircraft modification programmes, EASA/FAA Part 21 certification, aviation software and managed connectivity services.
Identify and secure new business opportunities across defence, government, military, VVIP and commercial aviation sectors.
Build and develop long-term relationships with aircraft operators, OEMs, MROs, systems integrators, satellite operators and strategic industry partners.
Manage and develop a portfolio of key international accounts whilst expanding the organisation's global partner network.
Lead, mentor and support a high-performing international sales team, driving performance and collaboration.
Work closely with engineering, certification and operational teams to ensure customer requirements are translated into successful technical solutions.
Represent the business at major international industry events, trade shows and customer engagements.
 Key Experience & Qualifications for the International Sales Director – Government & Airborne Connectivity:

Proven international business development and sales leadership experience within aerospace, aviation, defence or satellite communications.
Strong knowledge of airborne SATCOM, inflight connectivity (IFC), aircraft integration or aerospace communication systems.
Demonstrable success selling complex technical solutions into government, defence, military or special mission aviation customers.
Experience managing long sales cycles involving multiple stakeholders and high-value programmes.
Existing relationships across aircraft operators, OEMs, MROs, satellite operators or the wider aviation connectivity ecosystem would be highly advantageous.
Commercially astute with the ability to engage confidently with senior executives, procurement teams and technical engineering stakeholders.
Previous leadership experience managing sales teams or leading international business development activities.
Fluent English is essential; French or additional European languages would be advantageous.
Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC) would be beneficial
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed