Business Development Manager

Safran Electronics & Defense; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive aftermarket sales and growth for Large Commercial and Regional programs across the Americas. You will manage a defined key-account portfolio and lead strategic commercial activities to protect, recapture, and expand the business.

The role requires strong collaboration with Safran’s Avionics GBU and CRM teams, leveraging Salesforce to manage initiatives, campaigns, and opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace aftermarket sales and growth strategies.
• Ability to analyze sales, customer, and market data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Proven ability to coordinate business cases and secure approvals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies that drive growth across the Americas.
• Drive aftermarket sales and order intake plans to meet targets.
• Lead initiatives to protect and expand long-term maintenance, repair, and overhaul agreements.
• Coordinate preparation, presentation, and approval of business cases.
• Communicate market intelligence to BI and proposals teams.

Skills

Sales strategy

Data analysis

CRM management

MS Office

Excel

Power BI

Verbal & written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Aerospace engineering degree (advantageous)

Tools

Salesforce

Excel

Power BI

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

The Business Development Manager is accountable for delivering the aftermarket sales, order‑intake plan, and growth targets for Large Commercial and Regional programs across the Americas. The role manages a defined key‑account portfolio valued at approximately $50 million annually and leads strategic commercial activity that protects, recaptures, and expands the business.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop and execute strategies that drive business growth and recapture opportunities across the Americas.
• Analyze sales, customer, and market data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Coordinate the preparation, presentation, and approval of business cases.
• Lead business‑protection strategies and secure long‑term maintenance, repair, and overhaul agreements.
• Gather, consolidate, and communicate market intelligence to business‑intelligence and proposal teams.
• Develop and share commercial best practices across the organization.
• Build and strengthen customer relationships to support sustainable business growth.
• Enhance internal collaboration across Actuation facilities in Italy, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
• Leverage Safran sales organizations, including the Avionics GBU and central customer‑relationship teams, to advance business pursuits and close long‑term agreements.
• Use Salesforce to manage strategic initiatives, sales campaigns, opportunities, pursuits, and leads.
• Maintain CRM as the primary source for commercial activity management, reporting, and tracking.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business or a related field preferred; a degree in aerospace engineering is advantageous.
• U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee or asylee) as defined.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated drive, resilience, enthusiasm, and a proactive, results‑oriented mindset.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace aftermarket practices and business models.
• Detailed understanding of civil aircraft markets.
• Technical knowledge of flight controls and hydraulic systems is advantageous.
• Cultural agility and the ability to work effectively with customers and colleagues across international locations.
• Strong leadership capability with proven business and commercial acumen.
• Established customer relationships are preferred.
• Ability to perform detailed business analysis using Excel and Power BI.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be a self‑directed individual requiring minimal supervision.
• Experience with Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong time management and organization skills.
• Strong communication skills with emphasis on written communication.
• Leadership skills with strong customer presence.
• Must have the ability to function in a fast‑paced environment while performing multiple tasks.
• Participation in lean activities for the department.