AEROCONTACT
Key Account Manager- US Military & Defense (H/F) - SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
AEROCONTACT, Irvine, California, United States, 92713
Key Account Manager – U.S. Military & Defense (H/F)
Safran Electronics & Defense Avionics USA, LLC – Irvine, CA
Safran is a global high‑technology group operating in aerospace, space and defense. The Safran Electronics & Defense business offers embedded intelligence solutions that enable customers to understand the environment, reduce cognitive load and maintain a safe trajectory in any situation.
We are seeking a Key Account Manager to manage and grow strategic relationships with the U.S. Department of Defense, military branches, prime contractors and system integrators. This role drives business development, influences customer requirements, ensures execution of key account plans and aligns product roadmaps with customer needs.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute Key Account Plans for assigned defense customers.
Detect customer needs and create favorable conditions for product selection aligned with internal directorates.
Establish and manage NDAs, MoUs and MoAs with customers.
Build and maintain strong relationships with senior DoD and prime contractor stakeholders.
Measure customer satisfaction and proactively manage potential issues.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities within assigned accounts.
Influence RFIs and RFPs to align with company capabilities.
Engage institutional and government decision‑makers relevant to customer programs.
Represent the company at industry trade shows, technical events and senior‑level meetings.
Provide customer insights, market intelligence and competitive analysis to marketing, product management and R & T teams.
Align products and technical roadmaps with customer needs via Tech Days and other forums.
Coordinate actions across product line managers, sales, programs, technical, support, quality and operations to ensure unified customer engagement.
Participate in preparation and presentation of commercial offers and support contract negotiations.
Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR and export control regulations.
Support overdue account recovery when required.
Recommend communication actions to enhance visibility with the customer.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the Key Account Management function.
Track KPIs, forecast accuracy and account health metrics to ensure performance.
Required Competencies
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or related field; MBA preferred.
Experience: 8–10 years in aerospace, defense or military‑focused account management.
Proven success in securing and managing complex defense contracts.
Proficiency with CRM tools, Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with ERP/EAM/PLM systems.
U.S. Citizenship required; active or eligible security clearance preferred.
In‑depth understanding of U.S. Department of Defense procurement processes, including FAR/DFARS regulations.
Strong knowledge of aerospace and defense products, systems and services relevant to U.S. military applications.
Familiarity with ITAR, export controls and government compliance requirements.
Understanding of prime contractors, system integrators and subcontractor networks within the defense ecosystem.
Awareness of competitive landscape, industry trends and emerging defense technologies.
Leadership skills: ability to set vision, develop strategy and rally cross‑functional teams.
Contract negotiation and management within government frameworks.
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with senior‑level defense stakeholders.
Persuasive negotiation and presentation skills tailored to highly technical and regulated environments.
Strong problem‑solving, adaptability and resilience in high‑pressure situations.
High integrity, discretion and trustworthiness.
Travel Requirements Willingness and ability to travel up to 40 %, primarily domestic to military installations, prime contractor facilities and defense industry events; occasional international travel to Safran facilities.
Salary $133,245.00 – $151,947.00
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Safran is a global high‑technology group operating in aerospace, space and defense. The Safran Electronics & Defense business offers embedded intelligence solutions that enable customers to understand the environment, reduce cognitive load and maintain a safe trajectory in any situation.
We are seeking a Key Account Manager to manage and grow strategic relationships with the U.S. Department of Defense, military branches, prime contractors and system integrators. This role drives business development, influences customer requirements, ensures execution of key account plans and aligns product roadmaps with customer needs.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute Key Account Plans for assigned defense customers.
Detect customer needs and create favorable conditions for product selection aligned with internal directorates.
Establish and manage NDAs, MoUs and MoAs with customers.
Build and maintain strong relationships with senior DoD and prime contractor stakeholders.
Measure customer satisfaction and proactively manage potential issues.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities within assigned accounts.
Influence RFIs and RFPs to align with company capabilities.
Engage institutional and government decision‑makers relevant to customer programs.
Represent the company at industry trade shows, technical events and senior‑level meetings.
Provide customer insights, market intelligence and competitive analysis to marketing, product management and R & T teams.
Align products and technical roadmaps with customer needs via Tech Days and other forums.
Coordinate actions across product line managers, sales, programs, technical, support, quality and operations to ensure unified customer engagement.
Participate in preparation and presentation of commercial offers and support contract negotiations.
Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR and export control regulations.
Support overdue account recovery when required.
Recommend communication actions to enhance visibility with the customer.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the Key Account Management function.
Track KPIs, forecast accuracy and account health metrics to ensure performance.
Required Competencies
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or related field; MBA preferred.
Experience: 8–10 years in aerospace, defense or military‑focused account management.
Proven success in securing and managing complex defense contracts.
Proficiency with CRM tools, Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with ERP/EAM/PLM systems.
U.S. Citizenship required; active or eligible security clearance preferred.
In‑depth understanding of U.S. Department of Defense procurement processes, including FAR/DFARS regulations.
Strong knowledge of aerospace and defense products, systems and services relevant to U.S. military applications.
Familiarity with ITAR, export controls and government compliance requirements.
Understanding of prime contractors, system integrators and subcontractor networks within the defense ecosystem.
Awareness of competitive landscape, industry trends and emerging defense technologies.
Leadership skills: ability to set vision, develop strategy and rally cross‑functional teams.
Contract negotiation and management within government frameworks.
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with senior‑level defense stakeholders.
Persuasive negotiation and presentation skills tailored to highly technical and regulated environments.
Strong problem‑solving, adaptability and resilience in high‑pressure situations.
High integrity, discretion and trustworthiness.
Travel Requirements Willingness and ability to travel up to 40 %, primarily domestic to military installations, prime contractor facilities and defense industry events; occasional international travel to Safran facilities.
Salary $133,245.00 – $151,947.00
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