At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic relationships with airlines and drive business growth 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 opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aerospace industry while working with top airlines in Europe.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in aeronautics, strong relationship-building skills, and a degree in Business or Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Travel requirement: up to 50%.
- Reports directly to: VP BDA Europe.
BDA Director - UK & North Europe F/H in Milton Keynes employer: Safran
Safran is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of the UK aerospace and defense sector. With over 90 years of industry experience, employees benefit from a culture of innovation, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to engage with leading airlines and defence partners. The company's commitment to employee growth and its strategic role in shaping the future of aviation make it a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BDA Director - UK & North Europe F/H in Milton Keynes
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Safran for a BDA Director - UK & North Europe F/H. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace BDA Director - UK & North Europe F/H in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
