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Customer & Commercial Director

Vacancy details

General information

Entity

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 aircraft landing and braking systems. Its expertise covers the entire life cycle of its products, from design and manufacturing to maintenance and repair. The company has partnerships with more than 25 airframers in civil, regional, commercial and military transport, supporting more than 35,000 aircraft and making over 100,000 landings every day

Reference

2025-165804

Position description

Domain

Programs / Customer Relations

Job field / Job profile

Customer services and support - Customer support & services management (CSSM)

Job title

Customer & Commercial Director

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

The next chapter of sustainable aviation. Empowered by you.

A member of the Senior Leadership Team, this key role will work closely with the Sales, Operational and Finance teams to maximise commercial opportunities, support cost reduction activities, identify working capital improvements and maintain high levels of Customer Satisfaction.

A multifaceted role, primary accountabilities include:

- Customer Support Management (planning, relationships, quotes, invoicing and overdue payment management following contract award)

- Supply Chain responsibility (Direct Material Purchasing, subcontracting and Logistics)

- Rotable/Asset Management (including the identification of Gear Purchases and tear down, part liquidations/sales and Rotable Capex)

- Costing responsibility to support Major Bids/Customer RFP's

- Indirect Purchasing/contract management responsibility for the site.

You'll have opportunities to learn and progress, with investment being made on site it's an exciting time to join our growing local team!

Looking after the people who make Safran great is a priority for us. We offer a range of benefits designed to support you, both in and outside of work.

• We value your time: We have an early finish on a Friday, giving you time to recharge.

• Time to unwind: Start with 25 days of holiday, plus UK Bank Holidays, and we offer options to buy or sell days to fit your needs.

• Sharing in our success: We believe in rewarding your contributions with an annual generous bonus and share scheme options.

• Planning for your future: We offer a generous pension scheme, with up to 8% matched contributions, and life assurance at 4x your salary.

• Making your work life easier: Enjoy onsite parking, including EV chargers, a subsidised restaurant, bicycle storage, and shower facilities.

• Flexibility that works for you: We offer a wide range of flexible benefits and working options (role dependant), enhanced maternity and family friendly benefits, because we know everyone's needs are different.

Who are Safran Landing Systems?

We are a global leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, from commercial and business travel to military and defence fleets. Our expertise cover the entire life cycle of our products from end-to-end: design, manufacturing, maintenance and repair.

We're at the forefront of aerospace technology, creating safer, more sustainable aviation for the next generation of aerospace. It's easy to take flying for granted, or forget the incredible amount of technical skills, capability and co-ordination required to create an aircraft. At Safran, we never take it for granted. Our people's talents and skills come together to make the feat of flying possible. Here, you can create an impact you're proud of, where you're rewarded for your dedication and willingness to learn.

But what else? (benefits, specificities, etc.)

What will I be doing?

• Management of site costings (pre-contract) and analysis for pricing requests through the Sales organisation

• Post-contract performance analysis

• Provide World-Class Customer Experience

• Manage Piece Parts trading activity (liquidation within our own contracts, intercompany or externally)

• Lead all Business Development related to Military/Regional activity from RFP, contract negotiations to sales support management

• Establish clear commercial policies with Regional Sales Director and ensure that Contract handover processes are robust and embedded

• Ensure Demand Reviews are completed, accurate and Sales Input Forecasts (SIF) are available for financial and operational planning as necessary

• All Logistics Activity, ensuring products are shipped efficiently to customers and returned in line with Production Planning needs. Maintain compliance

• Lead, mentor, and continue developing the Customer Support, Logistic and Purchasing teams. Set performance goals, manage PDRs, creating training programs

• Trade Compliance and Business Ethics representative for the site, working alongside all activities associated to the appointment of 3rd Party Consultants for the UK MRO

• KPI reporting to Group through the BSC (TAT Analysis and Legs Tracking)

Candidate skills & requirements

What do I need to succeed in the role?

• The capacity to develop long-term commercial and customer service strategies aligned with company objectives

• Positive and proactive approach to challenges and change management

• Systematic problem solver with the ability to implement solutions, undertake root cause analysis and instigate/manage change

• Business acumen and previous commercial exposure essential.

• Financial awareness essential

• Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated experience in closing contracts with customers and suppliers

• Ability to manage and organise multiple projects/tasks at any one time

• Excellent communication skills to present effective and persuasive arguments/presentations on complex topics

• Good level of technical knowledge

• Experience in Aerospace sector preferred, MRO experience a bonus!

• Prior management in a customer service or commercial management capacity, with a significant portion spent in leadership positions

• Role will be office based but candidate must be willing to travel as necessary (predominantly Europe)

At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.

We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experiences relevant to the requirements of this role.

We will consider all applicants who meet the minimum requirements regardless of their age, identity or background.

Please apply by uploading a CV, and if your experience matches what we're looking for, one of our recruitment team will give you a call.

Offers of employment will be subject to a relevant level of company security vetting, which may include a criminal record check.

Join Safran and discover what we could achieve, together.

Position location

Job location

Europe, UK, England

City (-ies)

Cheltenham Road East GL2 9QL Gloucester