Business Development Manager

ABOUT OUR MISSION:

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (DSI)!  We deliver a wide range of solutions to meet the evolving challenges of national defense and complex space missions. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Safran DSI operates through the specialized business units Optronics, Space Systems, Testing & Telemetry, and Assured PNT. With more than 500 talented professionals nationwide, DSI is a preferred partner for the armed forces federal, state, and local government, and commercial entities within the US defense and space sectors.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

POSITION PROFILE:

The Business Development Manager is responsible for business development and sales growth in the military and government segment with primary focus on promoting and selling innovative solutions of maritime EO/IR sights and solutions to the US and FMS markets.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions including, but not limited to:

Primary duties include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for sales growth of Maritime EO/IR sights and solutions for the military, other Government Agencies and Law Enforcement segments.
• Generate new business opportunities and manage existing accounts as directed.
• Achieve targeted sales growth goals.
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of customer program requirements, current and future opportunities, production schedules, organizational structure and key decision-makers in the military and prime customers.
• Develop and maintain strong credibility and customer service reputation with product end-users.
• Contact all military, prime customers and end users with potential interests in Maritime EO/IR sights and solutions.
• Identify and understand current operational missions, gaps, and roadmaps within the military or other end users.
• Provide strategic roadmaps that match, enhance, company products or require development solutions.
• Articulate product needs to product development and executive staff as required.
• Prepare and conduct senior level technical presentations to end users, PMA’s, PM’s and senior military staff.
• Schedule and organize field demonstrations of the product.
• Submit market intelligence from customer, contacts, publications etc. concerning competition, new product ideas, pricing, industry trends and customer attitudes.
• Coordinate and manage delivery issues with Program Management and executive staff.
• Remain knowledgeable of market and industry trends, competitors, and leading customer strategies.
• Be a subject matter expert of all Safran DSI Optronics solutions and their use in practical business settings.
• Prepare and manage quotations and work with contracts staff to ensure terms and conditions are acceptable to Safran DSI Optronics.
• Participate in capture pursuits, understand price to win and competitive analysis to increase win probability.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present and sell to all levels of an organization including the executive level.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines driven projects involving a variety of different resources.
• Ability to interface with company team members in a fast-paced, multi-discipline environment, including program managers, engineers, and leadership.
• Potential to execute new business capture efforts, including customer/opportunity identification, quote generation, sales administration through contract execution.
• Must be able to participate and take ownership in the company’s annual business development / sales plan, which includes developing and meeting forecasts.
• Must possess an in-depth knowledge of the US Maritime market, including key customers, competitive landscape and associated technology.
• Demonstrated comfort level in a customer-facing role developing accounts both technically & non-technically with emphasis on customer specific requirements.
• Solid understanding of federal budgeting and acquisition processes.
• Demonstrated potential to sell electro-optics products or other technical solutions to a diverse customer base, or extensive relevant military experience.
• Ability to support field demonstrations of Maritime EO/IR sights to potential customers and end users.
• Proven industry experience or military experience within the defense and other government agency communities.
• Experience in the electro-optics business area as an end-user of these products or in a business development role marketing and selling these products to defense and government agencies, or relevant military experience.
• Requires U.S. Citizenship.

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Experience working in an ITAR environment
• Current security clearance or ability to obtain a security clearance at the SECRET level

EDUCATION:  

• Technical B.S. degree is desired but can be substituted with proven skills in marketing and selling technical products, military experience and/or the defense acquisition process.

TRAVEL: up to 50% required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).