Sales manager (Aeronautics)

Safran Aerosystems (SAO) designs and builds high-tech solutions that enhance aircraft performance and flight safety. It is the world leader in inflatable safety systems (evacuation slides, flotation devices for helicopters) and crew oxygen systems, and is a major player in the market for fluid management systems (fuel, oil, air, water).
The Customer Support & Services organisation (CSS) supports its customers in the operation of their equipment through a worldwide after-sales network made of five service centers in Europe (France and UK), Middle East, United States and Asia. CSS is the SAO aftermarket focal organisation to airlines, helicopter and business jet operators as well as MRO and business partners. CSS provides spare parts, repairs services, BFE equipment, commercial retrofits campaigns, long term support, training, etc.
Based in Dubai (UAE), reporting to Sales Director EMEAI, the Sales Manager is accountable to meet the sales objectives for products and services on its area of responsibility (customer allocation will be a mix of existing customers, prospects and business development opportunities in Middle East, Africa and India, defined at the on-boarding).

Its main missions are:
Meet and exceed the spares Order Intake , MRO Sales and Sales objectives within its assigned area of responsibility
Prepare or assist with the preparation of a sales strategy plan within its assigned area of responsibility and Execute sales plans accordingly
Set sales priorities (in terms of products/programs, customers/prospects and geographic areas)
Meet success rate objectives on Must Wins
Manage its opportunities funnel using the CRM
Coordinate the sales network (distributors, consultants, maintenance centers, customer network, etc.) Lobby customers and prospects (identify internal/external systems of infl uence and decision processes)
Understand the competitive positioning of products and services
Understand the organization and key people at each customer
Know and understand decision criteria and processes at each customer
Monitor RFPs
Prepare the bid pack (involve and mobilize the relevant functions/sectors of the company)
Submit bids/proposals for company/Group-level validation
Negotiate bids, proposals and sign contracts
Analyze the causes of bid failures in order to capitalize on areas for improvement
Implement/provide input for dashboards and track KPIs
Ensure payment by customers, liaising with the accounting department
Contribute to demand review and forecast business for MTP, Budget, Actu and ROFO
Comply with SEL processes and lead special projects to improve process maturity
Conduct or contribute to marketing efforts

Strong customer and results-oriented culture, taste for contacts, field work and challenges
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Great negotiation skills (listening, persuasion)
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships
Tenacity, autonomy, sense of organization and priorities
Good resistance to difficulties and pressure
Strong leadership, ability to analyze & summarize information

Travel availability within the assigned region (up to 50%)

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Aerosystems is one of the world leaders in aviation systems dedicated to aircraft and helicopter safety, as well as fluid and fuel management. The company is a key player in the field of flight safety (oxygen, evacuation, floatation) and participates in the decarbonization of aviation through enabling sustainable alternative fuels and new engine architectures. It has 5,200 employees in 7 countries.