Sales & Business Development Manager - Remote Possible

Location: Florida_Remote_Worker, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Sales & Business Development Manager

Anywhere in US (Remote Possible)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Sales and Business Development (BD) Manager to maximize the order intake and gross margins with current account and to develop new accounts. You will manage all activities related to your assigned accounts and BD objectives and be the voice of customer at Thales. You will ensure that customer requests are fulfilled in a timely manner and that proposals are aligned with the customer request and will also be responsible to support product policy and strategy to develop new offers by feeding them with intelligence and customer requirements and market trends.

In this position, you will also have a strong leadership role to play in leading Integrated Customer Teams (ICT) and by assuming a leadership role during bid process (RFI/RFP). He/she will ensure that strategic, programmatic, legal and commercial aspects are taken into account in the preparation such proposals, in concurrence with the VP, Sales & Business Development - Flight Avionics NORAM.

Our Sales and Business Development Manager will be a key element in the development of new customers /markets and help to grow Thales activities in North America. This role will have a direct impact on customer satisfaction and business growth and will have great visibility with Thales Group.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Under the supervision and coaching from the VP, Sales & Business Development and the existing team: Develop the overall US Military avionics business development strategy, as well as internal and external partnerships in strong coordination with the FLX strategy team; Generate sufficient Order Intakes in the short - medium term to establish an autonomous P&L in the US, initially balanced, progressively more profitable by including more local content be held accountable to the committed budget.
• Find new opportunities, promote and sell products and systems; Develop and enhance commercial relationship with the existing and new customers; Build and review business case for relevant opportunities; Address RFPs, DCRs, replacement of obsolete systems, etc.; Coordinate the propositions, negotiate and assist in the realization of the programs; Support the development of the FLX marketing plan (US vision) and the North America marketing plan; Champion collaboration and team work practices; Implement efficient tools, methods and behaviors targeting high levels of professionalism and efficiency.
• Achieve sales targets and development goals; Increase sales figures and increase the products and services sold to customers; Be conversant and aware of Thales’ aviation products and services; Present executive level presentations to customers, partners and high ranking military leadership; Analyze the accessible and non-accessible market, customer needs and developments, budgeted investment programs, competition (strategy, products); Develop and execute formal capture plans as part of cross functional team, and monitor competitor activity for each capture, move opportunities through the business development and proposal processes (Ensure coordinated account management and develop cross-fertilization).
• Ensure that the industry OEMs, US military services (USAF, USA, USMC, USN), other government customers and associated industry partners (both prime and Tier 2 partners) are familiar with Thales’ capabilities in the areas of avionics; Anticipate and manage the requirements of existing and potential customers & communicate customer requirements and product direction towards the development and roadmap of new products (to facilitate the Product Policy); Develop with intra-groups teams solutions that increase US local content to the benefit of the end-user satisfaction.
• Effectively manage and develop the relationship with customers; Actively participate in Bid activities as Capture Leader; Lead contract negotiations; Track opportunities through company tools; Insure compliance to internal processes (CHORUS); Participate in the preparation of forecasts (SITCOM).
• Collaborate with all internal participants necessary to support capture efforts, including but not limited to: Thales Avionics’ Global Business Unit (GBU) leadership in France; US and Europe based technical, financial, sales and contracts support personnel; and others (e.g. engineering, services, legal, etc.) engaged in business capture and proposal development processes.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Engineering or in an appropriate discipline required.
• 10 years of relevant experience in the aerospace industry.
• Experience in competitive business capture, strategy development, corporate teaming, proposal development, program execution, technical solutions; A strong network of contacts throughout the aviation community in the US Defense Industry (US DoD, OEMs, prime integrators, etc.); Familiarity with the acquisition organizations of the associated services.
• Business development experience & customer oriented: ability to listen to the customer and propose new and innovative business solutions; Working knowledge of complex avionics and aircraft systems; Demonstrated experience leading cross functional teams & in working within a matrix business environment.
• Excellent ability to work in a team, strong interpersonal skills, leadership and professional presentation skills; Capacity to work in an international and multicultural environment; Experience in negotiation.
  
  
  

If you’re excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: Core Business Hours Monday-Friday and will occasionally involve working some Saturdays and Sundays.
• Travel: 50% travel throughout USA and occasional travel to Europe.
• Regulatory Compliance Requirements: Must be a US Person as defined in applicable law.
  
  
  

What We Offer

The anticipated TTC range for this role is $150,000 - $160,000 USD Annual. The Company reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Elective Health and Dental plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a company contribution and a match, and without vesting period.
• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.
• Company provided Life Insurance.
  
  
  

Why Join Us?

Say HI and learn more about working at Thales click here.

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.