Business Development & Account Manager

About the role

In Johannesburg, South Africa, the Business Development and Account Manager at Thales will grow the Thales business in Southern Africa, focusing on Aerospace, Defence, and Security markets. This role involves developing strategic partnerships, understanding customer procurement requirements, and aligning customer needs with Thales Business Lines.

Responsibilities

• Grow Thales business in Southern African countries
• Comprehensively understand and communicate Thales product portfolio to prospects and government customers
• Understand customer missions, operational environments, and priorities, and align these with Thales solutions
• Promote Thales products, systems, and solutions to government customers and end-users
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities within the customer landscape
• Build and maintain long-term partnerships with key customers and strategic partners
• Define, implement, and monitor account objectives and performance targets
• Prepare, maintain, and execute Capture Plans
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and long-term engagement
• Act as a key interface between customers and internal stakeholders across Thales Business Lines

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master 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 and Defence and Security markets
• Demonstrated customer focus with the ability to understand operational needs and translate them into business opportunities
• Results-oriented, self-driven, and highly disciplined professional
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proven ability to build partnerships and lead cross-functional collaboration
• Fluent English (C2 level, both written and spoken)

Benefits

At Thales, we provide career opportunities and mobility, enabling employees to develop their careers both domestically and internationally.