Business Development Manager - India

Safran.AI (ex Preligens); Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,416,430 - 2,832,861; Full time

Job summary

Safran.AI (ex Preligens) is seeking a Business Development Manager in Bengaluru, India, to spearhead the sales efforts on the Indian defence market. This role involves identifying and qualifying new business opportunities while managing existing client relationships.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree in Marketing, Sales or Engineering, along with over 5 years of experience in B2B/B2G sales. Fluency in English and French, alongside strong communication and negotiation skills, is essential.

Frequent travel (up to 50%) is required to meet clients and represent the company at various events.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven B2B/B2G export sales experience.
• Experience in the defence sector is a plus.
• High mobility with availability for frequent travel (up to 50% of the time).

Responsibilities

• Identify new business opportunities and guide them through to the launch of the commercial project.
• Manage and grow an existing client portfolio.
• Prepare regular reports on sales performance and ensure CRM system is up to date.

Skills

B2B/B2G sales experience

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Fluent English

Fluent French

Education

Master’s degree in Marketing, Sales, or Engineering

Job description

Safran.AI – AI That Operates in the Real World

A subsidiary of Safran Electronics & Defense, Safran.AI develops AI solutions applied to complex data such as high-resolution satellite imagery, FMV (Full Motion Video) streams, and acoustic signals. These solutions rely on algorithms capable of automatically detecting and identifying objects of interest in the defense, aerospace, and government sectors.

Since joining Safran in September 2024, Safran.AI has also contributed to the group's transformation by applying AI solutions to Industry 4.0 initiatives. For example, AI‑powered image analysis can assist inspectors responsible for examining critical components by helping them detect potential anomalies from digital images.

With a workforce of 250 employees, you will work within passionate, multidisciplinary teams that bring together some of the industry's most recognized talents, all driven by a shared commitment to excellence and technological innovation.

In the context of Safran.AI’s international expansion, we are looking to base a Business Development Manager in Bengaluru, India. You will join the APAC Sales team, within Safran.AI’s Sales & Marketing department, which brings together Sales, Business Development, Bid Management, and Marketing & Communication activities.

What’s At Stake In This Role

Our objective is to identify new business opportunities, qualify them, and guide them through to the launch of the commercial project. We are also responsible for implementing the communications plan through concrete initiatives, whether at trade shows and industry events or by promoting our expertise in AI through conferences, speaking engagements, and similar activities. Our business operates on a global scale.

As a Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for all commercial activities with client accounts (institutional and industrial) and end users on the Indian defence market. Working autonomously, you will be expected to identify business opportunities, develop them, and successfully bring them to fruition by effectively leveraging Safran.AI’s internal resources and involving management at key stages.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement account and commercial strategies for your region, enabling the achievement of defined sales targets
• Manage and grow an existing client portfolio. Identify new clients, end users, and new opportunities
• Work closely with Safran.AI teams to design tailored and winning bids (including scope framing, win‑price determination, commercial strategy, and highlighting our differentiators), in adherence with the bid & sales process
• Coordinate contract drafting in line with submitted bids; negotiate contracts with high‑level counterparts, often public and industrial, through to signature and entry into force
• Represent the company at trade shows, client meetings, and industry events
• Prepare regular reports on sales performance and achieved results, while ensuring that the CRM system is kept up to date

About You

• Master’s degree in Marketing, Sales, or Engineering
• 5+ years of proven B2B/B2G export sales experience
• Experience in the defence sector is a plus
• Strong communication and negotiation skills (verbal and written fluency; interpersonal skills)
• Autonomy, rigour, and commitment are essential qualities
• Fluent French and English required; an additional language is a plus
• High mobility with availability for frequent travel (up to 50% of the time)

Nice to have

• Experience in the relevant geographic area

Working Conditions

• Scenario 1: Hiring a candidate based in France who will be relocating to the site. In this case, a defense clearance will be required.
• Scenario 2: A local hiring with a local contract.
• Depending on the scenario selected, the benefits and compensation package may vary. These will be presented and detailed during the initial discussion with the Talent Acquisition teams.
• Based in Singapore, this position requires a high degree of availability for frequent travel (customer and partner meetings, conferences, workshops), representing approximately 50% of working time.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.