Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Customer - Defence

at Vertical Aerospace

🏢 About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is pioneering the future of personal air travel with on-demand, carbon-free aircraft, combining cutting-edge eVTOL technology with a clear mission to decarbonize aviation. Working here means joining a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the intersection of aerospace, defence, and sustainability, with the backing of major investors and partners. This role offers a unique chance to shape defence strategy in an emerging technology sector.

About This Role

As Head of Customer - Defence, you will lead Vertical Aerospace's defence sales and business development, building a commercial strategy targeting UK, European, NATO, and allied nations. You'll secure government funding and support for hybrid aircraft programmes, while forging senior relationships with ministries of defence, armed forces, and innovation bodies. This role is pivotal in positioning Vertical as a key player in defence innovation and operational demonstrations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a call with the UK MOD's innovation team to discuss a new funding opportunity, followed by a cross-functional meeting with engineering to refine a proposal for a NATO demonstration. Afternoon could involve a virtual briefing with a European defence attaché, then internal alignment on pricing for a bid. The day ends with reviewing a draft partnership agreement with a defence prime.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Vertical Aerospace

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Vertical Aerospace Is Looking For

  • A seasoned defence sales leader with a proven track record of winning complex, multi-stakeholder deals with UK MOD, European defence organizations, or NATO-aligned customers.
  • Possesses an extensive network of senior contacts within ministries of defence, procurement bodies, and defence innovation agencies, enabling rapid market entry.
  • Demonstrates commercial acumen to structure and negotiate large-scale contracts, including government-funded R&D and operational demonstration programmes.
  • Able to work cross-functionally with engineering, procurement, and strategy teams to translate technical capabilities into compelling defence value propositions.

📝 Tips for Applying to Vertical Aerospace

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific deals with UK MOD or NATO, including contract values, timelines, and your direct role in winning them.

2

In your cover letter, name-drop relevant defence programmes (e.g., UK's Future Combat Air System, NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator) and how Vertical's hybrid aircraft aligns.

3

Showcase your understanding of defence procurement cycles and how to navigate them, especially for novel technology insertion.

4

Provide concrete examples of building relationships with senior military or government officials, including any security clearances held.

5

Mention any experience with hybrid-electric or eVTOL technologies, even if tangential, to demonstrate domain awareness.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your track record of winning defence contracts and your network within UK MOD and European defence circles.', "Explain how Vertical's hybrid aircraft roadmap addresses specific defence needs (e.g., reduced logistics footprint, silent operation, VTOL capability).", "Demonstrate your ability to secure government funding and navigate innovation programmes like the UK's Defence and Security Accelerator.", 'Highlight your cross-functional leadership experience, especially bridging technical and commercial teams to deliver winning bids.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Vertical's current hybrid aircraft roadmap and identify specific defence use cases (e.g., logistics, medevac, ISR).
  • → Review the UK's Defence Command Paper and NATO's emerging technology priorities to align your strategy.
  • → Understand Vertical's competitors in the defence eVTOL space (e.g., Joby, Beta Technologies, Leonardo) and their government partnerships.
  • → Look into recent UK MOD funding calls (e.g., through DASA or the UK Space Agency) that Vertical could target.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you build a defence sales strategy for a novel eVTOL aircraft, starting from scratch in the UK market?
2 Describe a time you secured government funding for a defence technology programme. What was your approach?
3 How do you establish credibility with senior military officials who may be skeptical of new technology?
4 Walk us through a complex multi-stakeholder deal you closed, including how you managed internal and external stakeholders.
5 What are the key defence innovation programmes in Europe and NATO that Vertical should target, and why?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on commercial aviation experience; defence sales require understanding of government procurement and security clearance processes.
  • Avoid vague claims of 'government relationships' without specifying which ministries or programmes you've worked with.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of cross-functional collaboration; this role requires working closely with engineers and programme managers, not just sales.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Vertical Aerospace!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →