At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive customer engagement and identify growth opportunities in the aerospace sector.
- Company: Join Safran, a leader in aerospace and defence with over 90 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of aviation.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant travel and direct reporting to VP BDA Europe.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by strengthening relationships with major airlines and driving business growth.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in aeronautics, strong relationship-building skills, and a degree in Business or Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
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.
BDA Director - UK & North Europe F/H in Glasgow employer: Safran
Safran is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the UK aerospace and defense sector, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With over 5,500 employees across 14 sites, Safran fosters a culture of growth and development, providing ample opportunities for career advancement while maintaining strong relationships with key industry players. Employees benefit from engaging in meaningful projects that contribute to both civil and military programs, all while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values excellence and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BDA Director - UK & North Europe F/H in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those linked to Safran. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Research is key! Dive deep into Safran’s recent projects and partnerships. Understanding their current strategies will help us tailor our conversations and show we’re genuinely interested in their mission. Plus, it’ll give us some great talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions by role-playing with a friend or using mock interviews. We want to come across as confident and knowledgeable, especially when discussing customer engagement and business development strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After any meeting or interview, shoot a quick thank-you email. It shows professionalism and keeps us on their radar. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate our enthusiasm for the role and how we can contribute to Safran’s success.
We think you need these skills to ace BDA Director - UK & North Europe F/H in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the BDA Director role. Highlight your experience in engaging with commercial airlines and any relevant achievements that align with Safran's strategic objectives.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your written application reflects your ability to convey ideas clearly and professionally. Use concise language and avoid jargon where possible.
Demonstrate Industry Knowledge:In your application, show that you understand the aerospace and defence sector, especially in relation to Safran's products and services. Mention any specific experiences or insights that could benefit the company.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This way, you can ensure it reaches the right people and you’ll have access to all the latest updates about the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Safran’s products and services, especially those related to aircraft interiors. Brush up on their recent projects and partnerships with airlines like British Airways and Finnair. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Build Your Story
Prepare to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to build customer relationships and drive business growth. Think about times when you successfully identified new opportunities or supported sales campaigns, as these will resonate well with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with high-level executives, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might want to simulate a few scenarios where you present ideas or solutions, as effective communication is key to making a positive impression.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the UK and North European aerospace market, including current trends and challenges. Being able to discuss how these factors impact Safran and its customers will demonstrate your strategic thinking and readiness for the role.
