Business Development Manager

The Opportunity: 

As a Business Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in driving the company’s growth by identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with potential clients, managing the pipeline and developing strategic partnerships. You will work closely with our sales, marketing, and technical teams to create and execute business development strategies aligned with our company’s goals. This role requires a strong understanding of Geospatial data, analytical processes & tools, AI technology, excellent communication skills, and a keen ability to translate market trends into actionable business strategies.  This position reports to the Executive Vice President of GeoAI, based in our Arlington, VA office.

Our Technology:

Safran Federal System’s GeoAI business develops artificial intelligence software solutions in support of aerospace, defense, homeland security, police actions, and more. Our AI-based geospatial intelligence solutions are a set of pre-trained AI algorithms for the automatic detection, classification and identification of objects of interest, enabling analysts to understand complex situations.  These solutions are optimized for use with space and airborne based electro-optical (EO), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and full motion video (FMV) data.  Safran Federal Systems is authorized to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects, in addition to supporting strategic partnerships for key geospatial technologies. 

How I will Contribute:

• Market Research & Analysis:
  • Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging trends, potential clients, and new business opportunities in the AI industry.
  • Analyze competitors and industry developments to inform business strategies and identify areas of differentiation.
• Lead Generation & Prospecting:
  • Identify and generate new leads through networking, research, and outreach efforts.
  • Qualify leads to ensure alignment with the company’s target market and strategic objectives.
  • Maintain a robust pipeline of potential clients and partners.
• Client Engagement & Relationship Management:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients, understanding their business needs and challenges.
  • Present AI solutions and services to clients, effectively communicating the value proposition and business impact.
  • Act as a liaison between clients and internal teams to ensure the successful delivery of AI solutions.
• Proposal Development & Negotiation:
  • Collaborate with the technical team to develop tailored proposals and presentations for clients.
  • Lead negotiations with clients, ensuring that agreements are mutually beneficial and align with the company’s goals.
  • Close deals and ensure smooth transition to the account management and implementation teams.
• Strategic Partnerships & Alliances (in conjunction w/ EVP GeoAI):
  • Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with other companies, technology providers, and industry influencers to enhance our market reach.
  • Negotiate and formalize partnership agreements that drive mutual growth and innovation.
  • Manage ongoing relationships with partners, ensuring alignment and collaboration on joint initiatives.
• Business Development Strategy & Planning:
  • Develop and implement comprehensive business development strategies to achieve sales targets and expand market share.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of business development activities, adjusting strategies as needed.
  • Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on progress and outcomes.
• Industry Representation & Networking:
  • Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to build brand awareness and generate leads.
  • Engage with industry communities, forums, and networks to stay informed on the latest trends and developments in AI.

What You Bring to the role: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Business, Marketing, Technology, or a related field is required, a master’s degree or higher is preferred for this role.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with 5 in a related role.
• Former military or intelligence community experience in the Imagery Analysis or Geospatial intelligence field preferred
• Proven track record of successfully driving business growth and closing deals in a competitive market.
• Experience working with technical teams to align business strategies with technology solutions
• Strong understanding of AI technologies and their application across various industries.
• Familiarity with CRM tools and business development software.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills; high degree of comfort speaking senior military and staff personnel; ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical individuals.
  Self-motivated, and ability to self-prioritize effectively to achieve goals, comfortable with ambiguity.
  
• TS/SCI security clearance will be required for this role.
• US Citizenship required
• The person in this position needs to have the ability and willingness to travel up to 35% of the time.

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.