Business Development Manager

About the role

Safran.AI, a subsidiary of Safran Electronics & Defense, applies artificial intelligence to complex real-world data. The function focuses on high-resolution satellite imagery, full motion video streams, and acoustic signals. Solutions automatically detect and identify objects of interest for defense, aerospace, and government applications. Since joining Safran in September 2024, Safran.AI has supported Industry 4.0 initiatives, including AI-powered image analysis that assists inspectors in detecting anomalies on critical components. With 250 employees, the company operates through passionate, multidisciplinary teams that unite recognized talents under a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. Based in New Delhi, India, the Business Development Manager will join the APAC Sales team within the Sales & Marketing department. This structure brings together Sales, Business Development, Bid Management, and Marketing & Communication activities. The role operates globally and centers on the Indian defence market. You will identify, qualify, and guide opportunities to commercial launch while implementing communications plans through trade shows, industry events, and thought leadership activities.

Key facts

What you will do

You will own the commercial journey for institutional and industrial client accounts in India, shaping strategy from first contact to signed agreement. This includes driving growth in defense and aerospace by translating complex AI capabilities, such as image analysis and FMV workflows, into clear value for stakeholders. You will coordinate cross-functional efforts so that Safran.AI solutions generate decisive operational advantages. You will develop and execute account and commercial strategies to achieve defined sales targets in your region. You will capture high-quality demand by orchestrating intake from defense and aerospace accounts. You will design solution architecture pathways, translating client requirements into workflows involving image analysis and full motion video. During review cycles, you will align technical proposals with commercial goals, managing bid documentation and stakeholder expectations. You will validate that deliverables meet contractual conditions, ensuring ship readiness before solutions reach operational deployment. You will coordinate with internal teams to align joint offerings, particularly within Industry 4.0 contexts, ensuring successful implementation. You will curate trade show narratives that highlight AI for critical component inspection and anomaly detection. You will secure speaking engagements to elevate thought leadership and showcase Safran.AI capabilities in defense and aerospace. You will qualify pipeline opportunities, expand institutional reach, and sustain engagement with end users across the Indian region. You will monitor commercial health, refining account plans to achieve sales targets and deepen long-term relationships. You will direct group resources and manage internal support so complex initiatives progress efficiently toward market launch.

Requirements

You must hold three to five years of business development experience within defense or aerospace environments. You must demonstrate a strong track record operating in Indian market conditions and managing institutional stakeholder landscapes. You must possess proven ability to handle AI-related solutions, including image analysis and full motion video analysis. You must be comfortable working with acoustic signals data and related detection and identification methods in commercial contexts. You must operate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and coordinate across diverse industry experts. You must navigate complex sales cycles involving defense and aerospace stakeholders while maintaining strict adherence to compliance standards. You must communicate intricate technical concepts to both technical and executive audiences with clarity and precision. You must manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, balancing strategic planning with detailed execution tasks. You must build trusted relationships with institutional clients to identify needs and position Safran.AI as a strategic partner. You must leverage data and market insights to refine commercial approaches and support evidence-based decision making.

Practical notes

This page reflects the draft to replace the original. Only names appearing in the source are used: Safran, Safran.AI, Safran Electronics & Defense.