Director of Airline Sales

Location: Melbourne FL, United States of America Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference. When you rely on airlines to connect you in flight, you rely on Thales. In an increasingly fast paced world, we make the unpredictable, predictable by connecting and entertain passengers to make your life better. Combining a diversity of talents, we master the decisive moments that matter to passengers and airlines. Whatever it takes. Position Summary This is a remote position within USA. Thales is seeking a Director of Airline Sales. The position’s objective is to identify customer needs and provide a viable solution that supports the customer business outcomes. The person will effectively and accurately communicate Thales IFEC system solutions, commercial and product attributes in an effort to generate sales. The position will serve to develop sales opportunities in an effort to give Thales IFEC better visibility and recognition within the relevant sales region and within the specific account. The position will coordinate Thales internal departmental activities with the objective of developing commercial and system solutions to meet and exceed customer expectations. The position will facilitate the issuance of technical and commercial proposals and associated quotes to the customer. The position will be required to provide various sales reports including forecasts and account status within the appropriate CRM tool. Key Areas of Responsibility Conduct a strategic and consultative sales campaign with the objective of providing Thales system solutions that meet and exceed customer expectations. Coordinate the development of system proposals based on the data gathered from the consultative sales approach. Manage the bids process. In cooperation with Account Mangers, develops and executes go to market activities for key airline accounts. Establishes and keeps updated the Sales Action list for responsible accounts and territory in order to assess the current and future opportunities within Salesforce. Establishes, manages, and contributes to the realizations of booking objectives. Identify key customer accounts within a designated territory developing a strategic and tactical sales lobbying plan to bring proactive product awareness and systems solutions to target customers. Innovate and develop new commercial opportunities with the ability to negotiate complex sales agreements. Coordinate the appropriate internal resources to address customer needs and develop winning technical solutions based on customer requirements. Forecast potential and future sales within the region of responsibility. Discusses the product features, benefits and competitive advantages of Thales’ IFEC product line to prospective customers. Schedule appointments with potential customers, travel to work sites and entertain customers. Quantify and qualify customer feedback so as to contribute to the IFEC’s product planning and development. Is involved in the planning process for future products and services to address the needs of the marketplace. Understand competitive offerings and positions in the market place. Maintain knowledge of developments in the industry so as to stay up to speed on the latest industry trends and directions. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public. Creates and produces reports to the appropriate leadership utilizing CRM tool. Accurately and timely, maintains opportunity reporting within CRM tool. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, sales, or relevant field; Master’s degree preferred. Four to five years’ previous work experience in sales, management, key account management, or relevant experience. Proficient with CRM (Salesforce) software and the Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent communication skills. Evidence of strong negotiation skills, with ability follow-through on client contracts. Proven results of delivering client solutions and meeting sales goals. Preferred Qualifications Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently. Goal-oriented, organized team player. Encouraging to team and staff; able to mentor and lead. Self-motivated and self-directed. Excellent interpersonal relationship skills. In-depth understanding of company key clients and their position in the industry. Eager to expand the company with new sales, clients, and territories. Able to analyze data and sales statistics and translate results into better solutions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must be a listener, a presenter, and a people-person. Ability to multitask and manage more than one client account. Proven results of delivering client solutions and meeting sales goals. Ability to discover and define customer needs. Ability to approach sales as a consultant to the customer. Special Position Requirements Travel: This position will require 50% travel. #LI-Remote #LI-AM1 This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances. Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements. Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com. Interested in a CAREER IN THE RAIL transportation sector? To see our jobs in the railway market, please visit our dedicated site here