Key Account Manager

Location: Singapore, Singapore

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

Thales established its presence in Singapore in 1973 to support the expansion of aerospace-related activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Throughout the last four decades, the company grew from strength to strength and is today involved in the primary businesses of Aerospace (including Air Traffic Management), Defence & Security, Ground Transportation and Digital Identity & Security. Thales today employs over 2,100 people in Singapore across all its business areas.**Responsibilities**:

- Formulate 5-year Country Strategic Plan for the Air Force Account, with clear understanding of the impact of economic and industrial trends, including customer needs and competitor’s offerings in order to secure Thales’ position and growth in the Air Force Account.
- Derive appropriate marketing/business development plans (e.g. innovation sessions) through analysis of customer’s mission, operational environment and priorities.
- Identify and regularly engage key stakeholders in the Air Force Account including Air Force HQ, Air Force Plans, AELD, AOD, DSTA, DSO and FSTD and develops and maintains a close relationship with these stakeholders.
- Be the “GO-TO” person for stakeholders in all matters related to Air Force.
- Actively engage the Air Force Account Stakeholders to understand the Air Force’s acquisition plans and identify opportunities for Thales to increase our Air Force offerings.
- Broaden the customer’s understanding of Thales solutions.
- Develop the sales pipeline for the Air Force Account.
- Prepare, contribute or lead discussions reflecting the customers’ intent and desires, in Capture Plans, to the BLs for the submission of bids and proposals to place Thales in a strong position to win.
- Active participation in bid and proposal preparations, contract negotiation with customers to ensure successful closure. Continual support of successful bids in customer engagement and expectation management.
- Establish and monitor order intake forecasts in support of the Sales Ops Team to ensure sales data are updated and consistent with the Business Lines.
- Engagement of other local/overseas industry partners for projects relevant to the Air Force Account.
- Support internal entities like Thales Research & Technology (TRT), Digital Factory, Defence Hub, in furthering their objectives with the aim to support MINDEF from a Strategic Account perspective.
- Advise Thales Communication team in the preparations of exhibitions/customers events/conferences, etc. and strategies in alignment with the marketing to the Singapore Air Force.
- Support the country management team in communication strategy during a crisis situation in relation to the Air Force Account.

**Requirements**:

- Bachelor Degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering or other relevant discipline
- At least 10 years of relevant experience working with defence-related work or in the Republic of Singapore Air Force. Knowledge in Air Force CONOPS is preferred.
- Inter-personal skills with customer-focus, is paramount to build good rapport and trust rapidly with both partners and customers.
- Good team spirit with good communication skills (verbal/written) is paramount for internal stakeholder management.
- Results-oriented, analytical, good attention to detail.
- Previous sales or project management experience is an advantage.