Government Sales Manager - Defense-ZI

Job Summary

• The Government Sales Manager – Defence Sector is responsible for driving defence and government-related sales, with a primary focus on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and affiliated entities. The role leads business development, opportunity capture, and customer engagement for defence programs covering power solutions, logistics, manufacturing, sustainment, and localization initiatives.
• This role acts as the frontline interface with government stakeholders, ensuring alignment between customer requirements and the Zahid Group offering and capabilities, while navigating compliance, procurement, and security frameworks.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and execute the defense‑sector sales and business development strategy aligned with national priorities, Zahid Group capabilities, and defense cluster objectives.
• Identify, qualify, pursue, and manage defense opportunities across the full lifecycle with MOD, armed forces, and government / semi‑government defense entities, acting as the single point of contact for customers.
• Establish and maintain senior‑level relationships with key government and defense stakeholders, positioning Zahid Group as a trusted local industrial, sustainment, and long‑term partner, including support during urgent and readiness‑driven requirements.
• Lead presales, capture, and bid activities for defense tenders, RFQs, and direct negotiations by coordinating cross‑functionally with engineering, projects, operations, legal, compliance, and security teams to deliver competitive, compliant, and executable proposals.
• Promote and sell integrated, service‑backed defense solutions including power systems, logistics assets, fuel systems, mobile workshops, sustainment, MRO, and localized manufacturing programs, positioning offerings as end‑to‑end solutions rather than standalone products.
• Support localization, offset, and industrial participation initiatives in coordination with GAMI, SAMI, OEMs, and internal stakeholders, contributing to the development of local manufacturing, assembly, and sustainment capabilities.
• Ensure all defense engagements comply with applicable defense procurement regulations, export control and security requirements, and internal governance and ethical standards, working closely with legal, compliance, and security functions.
• Monitor defense spending trends, geopolitical developments, and customer priorities, providing regular strategic input to senior management on pipeline health, market risks and opportunities, competitive landscape, and available government fleets.
• Achieve assigned sales targets, profitability, volume, and value objectives in line with approved budgets and business plans.

Knowledge, Skills and Aptitude

• Educational Qualifications and Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business administration.
• Knowledge: Good Knowledge and background in Defense Sector (Ex Military is a preference).
• Technical Skills: Ccomputer literate and be able to work with most Microsoft Office application software, like Word and Excel.
• Language Skills: Fluency in both English and Arabic. Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience: 10 to 15 years of experience in government and/or defense sales.
• Proven track record working with: MOD or equivalent defense authorities. Defense contractors, OEMs, or industrial players.
• Strong exposure to: Defense procurement processes. Large-scale government contracts. Cross‑functional coordination in complex programs

Key Interactions

• Key Internal Contacts: ZG Sales Entities. ZI Engineering and Tendering. ZI Operations.
• Purpose of Interaction: Request for quotations & Support. Costing and specifications. Receiving updates on on-going programs and projects
• Key External Contacts: Customers
• Purpose of Interaction: MOD. GAMI, SAMI, Government entities
• Direct Reports: NA