Job Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

The Director of Sales – Aviation & TSA is responsible for leading and executing the commercial strategy for aviation security and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) programs across the United States. This role owns order intake, revenue growth, margin performance, and long-term contract positioning for advanced X-ray, CT, and explosives detection systems, software, and lifecycle services.

The role operates at the intersection of federal procurement, aviation security operations, and advanced detection technology, and requires deep experience navigating TSA acquisition frameworks, IDIQs, OTAs, and multi-year deployment programs. 

Essential functions :

Job duties to include but are not limited to;

• Develop and implement sales strategies and tactical plans to achieve revenue targets in the USA.
• Identify and pursue opportunities in aviation security markets, with all potential airports, airlines and the Transportation Security Agency (TSA)
• Manage the entire sales cycle from prospecting to negotiation, closure, and after-sales support.

• Build strong relationships with key decision-makers, including aviation authorities, airport executives, airline executives and integrators.
• Identify and respond to RFPs, RFQs, and other procurement opportunities.
• Develop strategic partnerships to position the company as a preferred provider of detection solutions.

• Conduct market research to understand customer needs, competitive landscape, and emerging trends.
• Provide insights and feedback to product and marketing teams to ensure solutions align with market demands.
• Position the company’s innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions within the aviation security space.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, engineering, and operations, to support sales initiatives.
• Mentor and lead junior sales professionals, fostering a high-performance sales culture.

• Build positive relationships within the Sales/Marketing and global organization.
• Work closely, and sometimes directly, with the Applications team to provide sales and technical support to regional Sales teams and Major Accounts Teams to resolve customer issues.
• Offer valuable insight on product development and improvement efforts to assist with future sales efforts.
• Work across functions to ensure the business is transacted accurately and within guidelines to the highest ethical standards
• Ability to travel regularly to meet business objectives. Travel initiative is a critical requirement and is estimated at 50%

Qualifications

Education/Training/Experience Requirements :

• A minimum of five years’ experience as a sales director in a related business environment or complex matrix structure of a similar technology-focused industry.
• Previous experience in a sales/business development role.
• Successful track record in a high technology industry; Experience in the security industry is preferred.

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to define/implement a sales and commercial strategy, resulting in sales growth.
• Exceptional program and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate and oversee multiple projects across multiple functional company departments.
• Proven ability to evaluate and act upon business information – trends, market and new product opportunities.
• Innovative self-starter with vision and savvy operating in a start-up type environment. Must have demonstrated ability to negotiate, make difficult decisions, influence and manage change
• Prior experience with TSA, Airports or Airlines is required
• Background: This position requires Sensitive Security Information (SSI) access and vetting via the TSA. Applicant must successfully pass a federal background investigation. 

SDI is a Federal Contractor and a drug-free workplace. By submitting an application, I confirm that I understand that the Company has a right to require me to submit to a drug test prior to employment and at any time during my employment, to the extent permitted by law.

Additional Information

With colleagues stretching across the globe, we are proud of our diversity. To foster inclusivity, we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other. Our cross-business ERGs include Veterans, Pride Network, Black Employee Network, Women@Work Network, and Neurodiversity. 

Across our company, we recognize excellence, culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards, our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities, people, and projects that best showcase our strengths and help drive our business forward. We announce these on our annual Smiths Day, a global celebration of Smiths around our network. 

Join us for a great career with competitive compensation and benefits, while helping engineer a better future. 

We offer…

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.  If you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email  hr-1@smiths-detection.com .

The compensation for this position ranges from $131,400 - $197,200yr  base and will vary depending on factors such as your location, skills, job-related knowledge, and experience. The compensation package also includes incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary annual bonus or commissions. Smiths Detection provides comprehensive benefits including healthcare, 401K savings plan, company holidays, vacation, sick time, parental leave and an employee assistance program. Eligibility requirements apply.

If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail  stat@smiths.com or call toll-free 877-703-1029 . This email and phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Smiths Detection, Inc. participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website ( Careers - Smiths Group plc )

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website ( Careers - Smiths Group plc )

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website ( Careers - Smiths Group plc )

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