Business Development & Account Manager - Aerospace, Defence & Security

About the role

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the Business Development and Account Manager at Thales is responsible for growing the Thales business in Eastern Africa and managing all aspects of customer relationships, with a primary focus on the Aerospace, Defence and Security markets. The role involves developing strategic partnerships, understanding customer procurement requirements and aligning customer needs with the appropriate Thales Business Lines.

Key responsibilities

• Grow the Thales business in Eastern African countries.
• Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of the Thales product portfolio for prospects and government customers.
• Understand customer missions, operational environments and priorities, and provide customer and market information to the relevant Global Business Units and Business Lines.
• Promote Thales products to government customers and end-users, and communicate the company's vision and value proposition.
• Identify growth opportunities through business development activities.
• Develop and maintain long-term partnerships with key customers and strategic partners.
• Define, implement and monitor account objectives and performance targets, and prepare, maintain and execute capture plans.
• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and long-term engagement, and act as the main interface between customers and internal stakeholders across Business Lines.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in sales, marketing or business administration.
• 5-10 years of international experience in a comparable role within the aerospace, defence, security or related industry.
• Experience working with public procurement entities (military or civilian).
• Strong understanding of the Aerospace, Defence and Security markets.
• Demonstrated customer focus, results orientation and strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and lead cross-functional collaboration.
• Fluent English (C2 level, written and spoken).