Posted 10 August, 2026
Graduate Account Manager
STSdefence
Southampton, ENG, GB
Full Time
Job Description
We are looking for a commercially driven and relationship-focused Graduate Key Account Manager to lead and grow strategic customer partnerships within the defence sector. This is a pivotal role, responsible for strengthening long-term client relationships, identifying opportunities for sustainable revenue growth, and ensuring customer requirements are translated into high-quality engineered and manufactured solutions.\n
\nThe successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with a solid background in engineering or technical manufacturing, alongside a proven track record of managing key accounts in highly regulated industries. With the ability to build trust, understand complex customer needs, and work collaboratively across technical and operational teams, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional customer value and supporting business growth.\n
\nKey Responsibilities:\n
\nEstablish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key defence clients, acting as the primary point of contact and trusted partnerCollaborate with engineering, production, and project management teams to ensure delivery of solutions that meet technical, contractual, and quality requirementsSupport the identification and development of account growth opportunities, including new programmes, product applications, and service offeringsLead commercial activities across assigned accounts, including contract management, variations, and pricing considerations, with sound commercial judgementEngage effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, balancing client needs with organisational prioritiesEnsure compliance with all applicable regulatory, security, and quality standards within a highly regulated defence environmentMonitor customer requirements, industry trends, and competitor activity to inform account strategy and deliveryConduct project closure analysis and reporting, evaluating financial and delivery performance, capturing lessons learned, and applying insights to continuous improvement and future account activitiesQualifications:\n
\nDemonstrable experience in customer service or account support, ideally within electronic or electro-mechanical manufacturing environmentsPrior experience within the defence, military, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing sectors is highly desirableStrong attention to detail, with a consistent ability to uphold high standards of delivery, quality, and accuracyCompetencies:\n
\nDemonstrates good written and verbal communication skillsThe candidate must be proficient in MS Office applicationsAdditional InformationSECURITY All candidates must be in a position to obtain UK security clearance to SC level. Additional restrictions may apply on certain defence programmes.\n
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\nThe successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with a solid background in engineering or technical manufacturing, alongside a proven track record of managing key accounts in highly regulated industries. With the ability to build trust, understand complex customer needs, and work collaboratively across technical and operational teams, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional customer value and supporting business growth.\n
\nKey Responsibilities:\n
\nEstablish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key defence clients, acting as the primary point of contact and trusted partnerCollaborate with engineering, production, and project management teams to ensure delivery of solutions that meet technical, contractual, and quality requirementsSupport the identification and development of account growth opportunities, including new programmes, product applications, and service offeringsLead commercial activities across assigned accounts, including contract management, variations, and pricing considerations, with sound commercial judgementEngage effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, balancing client needs with organisational prioritiesEnsure compliance with all applicable regulatory, security, and quality standards within a highly regulated defence environmentMonitor customer requirements, industry trends, and competitor activity to inform account strategy and deliveryConduct project closure analysis and reporting, evaluating financial and delivery performance, capturing lessons learned, and applying insights to continuous improvement and future account activitiesQualifications:\n
\nDemonstrable experience in customer service or account support, ideally within electronic or electro-mechanical manufacturing environmentsPrior experience within the defence, military, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing sectors is highly desirableStrong attention to detail, with a consistent ability to uphold high standards of delivery, quality, and accuracyCompetencies:\n
\nDemonstrates good written and verbal communication skillsThe candidate must be proficient in MS Office applicationsAdditional InformationSECURITY All candidates must be in a position to obtain UK security clearance to SC level. Additional restrictions may apply on certain defence programmes.\n
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