How to apply for Sales Director

About Velo3D

Velo3D is at the forefront of metal 3D printing, enabling the production of complex, high-performance parts for industries like aerospace, defense, and energy. Their technology is pivotal in advancing cleaner energy and more efficient transportation, making it a unique place for those passionate about innovation and sustainability.

About the role

As Sales Director for the Defense team, you will lead sales efforts in metal 3D printing within the Defense and Government sectors. You'll build a pipeline, close contracts, and drive revenue growth, directly contributing to the adoption of cutting-edge manufacturing technology in critical national security applications.

A typical day

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with defense clients or prime contractors, discussing their manufacturing challenges and demonstrating how Velo3D's printers can solve them. You'll also spend time analyzing pipeline metrics, coordinating with applications engineers to tailor demos, and preparing bids for government contracts.

Who Velo3D is looking for

• Proven track record selling into government entities and defense primes, with a deep understanding of government contracting and funding.
• Experience selling into industrial sectors like aerospace, defense, energy/oil & gas, and metal production parts manufacturers.
• Strong network and relationships within the defense industry and its manufacturing supply chain.
• Ability to grasp and communicate complex technical value propositions, translating them into business value for customers.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific defense sales achievements with numbers, such as contract values and quota attainment.
• Emphasize your understanding of government procurement processes and any relevant security clearances.
• Tailor your resume to showcase experience with metal 3D printing or advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Include examples of how you've built and managed a sales pipeline from scratch.
• Research Velo3D's technology and recent defense contracts to show informed enthusiasm in your application.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your experience and success in defense sales, with concrete examples.', "Your understanding of the defense industry's challenges and how Velo3D's technology addresses them.", 'Your ability to build relationships with government and prime contractors.', "Your passion for innovation in manufacturing and alignment with Velo3D's mission."]

Research before applying

• Velo3D's proprietary technology (e.g., Sapphire printers) and its unique capabilities in metal 3D printing.
• Recent defense contracts or partnerships Velo3D has announced.
• Key defense industry trends, such as the shift to additive manufacturing for spare parts.
• The competitive landscape, including companies like GE Additive and 3D Systems, and how Velo3D differentiates.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How have you navigated the complexities of government contracting cycles?
• Describe a time you successfully sold a complex technical product to a defense client.
• How do you stay updated on defense industry trends and incorporate them into your sales strategy?
• What is your approach to building a sales pipeline in a new or emerging market?
• How would you position Velo3D's technology against competitors in the defense sector?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not tailoring your resume to highlight defense sector experience specifically.
• Lacking knowledge about Velo3D's technology and its applications in defense.
• Underestimating the importance of government procurement knowledge and security clearance requirements.