MEA AI & Defense Business Development Lead

Safran; Paris; On-site; EUR 82,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran.AI, based in Abu Dhabi, seeks a Business Development Manager to drive MEA sales, identify opportunities, and lead bids end-to-end. You’ll align with sales, marketing, and product teams to win strategic deals in government and industrial sectors.

You’ll travel up to 50% and engage with high-level stakeholders, shaping partnerships and market entry. Fluency in French and English is required, with a strong appetite for innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Marketing, Sales, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of B2B/B2G sales experience in an international/export environment, ideally Middle East.
• Strong interest in defense, sovereignty, and GEOINT topics.
• Fluency in French and English.
• High mobility and willingness to travel up to 50% of working time.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly committed.
• Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic business environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the successful execution of the sales strategy in alignment with the company’s objectives.
• Identify new market opportunities, potential customers, key stakeholders and decision-makers to expand the customer portfolio.
• Understand the specific needs of key clients and anticipate their expectations.
• Work closely with Safran.AI teams to design tailored and winning bids, including scope framing, price determination, and highlighting differentiators.
• Collaborate with Product/Solution teams to present features and benefits of the company’s products and services.
• Coordinate contract drafting and negotiate contracts with high-level counterparts, often public and industrial, through signature and entry into force.
• Analyze market trends, competitive activities, and commercial data to refine sales strategies.
• Represent Safran.AI in events: trade shows, conferences, etc.
• Prepare regular reports on sales performance and ensure CRM is up to date.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

French & English fluency

Mobility

Resilience

Attention to detail

Education

Master’s degree in Marketing/Sales/Engineering

Job description

Safran.AI, based in Abu Dhabi, seeks a Business Development Manager to drive MEA sales, identify opportunities, and lead bids end-to-end. You’ll align with sales, marketing, and product teams to win strategic deals in government and industrial sectors.

You’ll travel up to 50% and engage with high-level stakeholders, shaping partnerships and market entry. Fluency in French and English is required, with a strong appetite for innovation and excellence.