Business Development Director Jobs in Kentucky

INTRODUCTION

HERE, WE CRAFT EXCELLENCE TOGETHER. At Safran, we believe in sustainable career journeys, collaboration as a cornerstone of innovation, and the freedom to explore diverse career paths. As a Business Development Director, you'll contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of aerospace.

Candidates for positions with Safran Landing Systems must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility verification will be required at the time of hire.

This position contributes to our vision by being responsible for defining and executing Safran Landing Systems' business development strategy across North America, with a focus on US military and strategic OEM opportunities. The role builds and sustains senior customer relationships, anticipates and shapes future requirements, and leads capture and bid activities from opportunity identification through submission, in close coordination with Sales, Programs, Engineering/R&T and Safran group stakeholders. The position also drives collaboration frameworks (including funded and collaborative R&T agreements) and market/competitor intelligence to ensure Safran Landing Systems is positioned early and credibly on next generation platforms and programs.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salaries
• Paid holidays
• Recognition programs
• Comprehensive benefits
• Retirement (401K) plans with employer match
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Over 300 career paths across global sites

WORK CULTURE:

At Safran, we foster a respectful and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. We support sustainable career journeys and encourage employees to explore multiple paths for growth. Collaboration is essential to our success, and we are committed to helping every team member thrive. We engage with our communities through educational programs, outreach initiatives, and career events, inspiring future talent to join our mission.

Join Safran Landing Systems, where you can look to the skies and say “we did that.”

Job Requirements

• Proven senior business development/capture experience within aerospace and/or defence, including ownership of pursuit strategy and bid submissions.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain executive level customer relationships (OEM and/or military) and influence customer requirements early.
• Strong commercial capability: negotiation, pricing/financial acumen, and experience shaping deal terms in collaboration with Sales/Commercial/Legal.
• Bid and proposal leadership skills, including coordinating cross functional inputs (Sales, Programmes, Engineering/R&T, operations/sites) to meet quality and schedule.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management, with the ability to brief leadership and align global/divisional priorities.
• US citizen (required due to military contract and ITAR/export control requirements).
• Willingness to travel within North America and to Europe as required.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in landing gear, wheels & brakes, and associated systems for civil and military aircraft, as well as helicopters. Did you know that every second, somewhere in the world, an aircraft lands thanks to our products?

Looking to grow in a stimulating, supportive, and people-focused company? Above all, we are seeking creative and committed individuals—so come and join our 8,000 passionate employees!

LOCATION

Location: Walton, Kentucky, Kentucky, United States

CONTRACT TYPE

Contract type: Permanent

CONTRACT DURATION

Contract duration: Full-time

REQUIRED DEGREE

Required degree: Bachelor's Degree

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Required experience: More than 8 years

PROFESSIONAL STATUS

Professional status: Professional, Engineer & Manager

SALARY RANGE

Salary range: To be confirmed

ITAR

ITAR: ITAR Controlled position