Safran has been a major force in the UK aerospace and defense sector for more than 90 years, with over 5,500 employees across 14 sites supporting both civil and military programs. The company designs and manufactures mission-critical aircraft equipment-including landing gear, nacelles, flight controls, and actuation systems-and plays a key role in the UK's innovation ecosystem, partnering closely with airlines, OEMs, and the Ministry of Defence.
The BDA Director for the UK & North Europe is responsible for strengthening and expanding Safran's relationships with key airlines and lessors-primarily in the UK (IAG, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, etc.) and North Europe (Finnair, SAS, etc.). The role supports the achievement of Safran's strategic business objectives across all business units, including Aerosystems, Cabin, Seats, Landing Systems, Electronics, and Defense.
This position requires a senior leader capable of driving customer engagement, identifying growth opportunities, supporting sales campaigns, and ensuring a positive and consistent Safran presence across the region.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Relationship & Strategic Engagement
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen executive-level relationships with assigned customers.
- Establish and manage a structured contact plan for regular engagement between Safran leadership and airline counterparts.
- Promote a positive Safran image and ensure recurring business through consistent, high-quality customer interactions.
- Serve as the primary focal point for all Safran Aircraft Interiors enquiries (linefit and retrofit), as well as for other Safran Group companies when required.
Business Development & Growth
- Support Safran's strategic growth objectives by identifying new opportunities and anticipating customer needs.
- Provide accurate, timely intelligence on customer strategy, fleet data, future plans, competitive positioning, and sales opportunities.
- Contribute to annual sales and marketing plans across Safran companies.
- Support the closure of sales campaigns by providing insights and guidance from across the Group.
- Assist Sales teams with RFQs, tenders, bids, and bundled proposals that are financially and operationally viable.
Program & Aftermarket Support
- Support aftermarket activities to maintain strong customer relationships and prevent escalation.
- Assist with program development for already-won campaigns and help manage issues or delays.
- Ensure alignment with Safran Trade Compliance requirements when identifying potential business partners.
Representation & Communication
- Organize and lead business review meetings, product previews, and demonstrations.
- Represent Safran at major industry events and customer visits.
- Conduct frequent virtual meetings and teleconferences with customers and internal stakeholders.
- Provide timely, accurate reporting and maintain up-to-date account information.
- Act on behalf of the VP BDA Europe when required.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience engaging commercial airlines in product development or sales; interiors experience preferred.
- At least 15 years of experience in civil or military aeronautics, or the broader defense sector.
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships and deliver business growth.
- Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken); additional languages are an asset.
- Degree in Business or Engineering; MBA preferred.
- Strong digital literacy in marketing and sales tools.
- Experience in high-level institutional relations abroad is a plus.
- Strong adaptability to local cultures, political and industrial environments, decision-making processes, and regulations.
- Knowledge of aftermarket activities and Safran's organizational structure, processes, and product portfolio.
Key Success Measures
- Contribution to business growth and Safran's positive market image.
- Achievement of strategic business objectives.
- High customer satisfaction and recognition as a trusted Safran representative.
- Positive feedback from Branch Sales and Executive Management.
- Full adherence to Trade Compliance standards.
Additional Information
- Travel requirement: up to 50%.
- Reports directly to: VP BDA Europe.
JBRP1_UKTJ