Business Development & Key Account Director - UK & Ireland

Ref: Contract Type: Permanent Closing Date: Contact: Steve Barry, HR Manager and Rachel Wright, Recruitment & HR Officer Email CVs to:

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Our Purpose

Keeping Aviation Safe. - At SK AeroSafety Group, everything we do is driven by our commitment to safety, reliability, and trust. We exist to keep aviation safe by delivering best-in class maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for critical aircraft components that protect lives.

Group Mission Statement

We aim to provide the best possible support to our customers in the aviation industry. Guided by our five core values, we strive for excellence and sustainable growth through superior customer service, quality, and commitment.

Group Vision

To become the market-leading group of companies specialising in the repair of aircraft safety components for the commercial aviation market.

About SK AeroSafety Group

SK AeroSafety Group is a global leader in aviation safety solutions, specialising in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of critical aircraft safety equipment - including evacuation slides, life vests, oxygen systems, rafts, and portable breathing equipment. We support commercial airlines, cargo operators, MRO providers, and aircraft lessors worldwide, combining technical excellence with regulatory expertise and a customer first mindset. The Group operates three facilities in the UK and Ireland, a further three in mainland Europe, and a total of 18 facilities globally, providing seamless international coverage and service consistency across key aviation markets.

Role Purpose

As Key Account & Business Development Director - UK & Ireland, you will be responsible for the strategic growth and relationship management of key accounts across your assigned region. You will develop long term partnerships, identify new commercial opportunities, and drive significant revenue expansion with existing and new accounts, ensuring a client centric focus. While your primary focus will be the UK and Ireland markets, you will work closely with SK AeroSafety's regional account and sales teams across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, ensuring a consistent, coordinated approach to global key accounts-including many that utilise multiple SK AeroSafety facilities. You will collaborate closely with operational sites, facility management, and customer service teams to deliver seamless customer experiences and operational excellence across the network. Key customer portfolio includes AJ Walter, Avtrade, TUI, Ryanair, and easyJet.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Account Leadership

• Serve as the primary relationship owner for key UK & Ireland accounts, developing and executing account specific growth strategies.
• Deepen engagement with key customers through strategic planning, performance reviews, and expansion of service scope.
• Ensure alignment with regional account directors globally to maintain unified support for multi site customers.
• Negotiate and manage long term service agreements, PBH (Power by the Hour) models, and tailored maintenance solutions.
• Drive account growth targets with a focus on significantly increasing share of wallet and long term retention.
• Design and initiate strategic sales plans tailored for relevant key accounts.

Business Development & Growth

• Identify and develop new commercial opportunities with airlines, MROs, lessors, and OEMs across the UK & Ireland.
• Support cross regional initiatives and coordinate on global RFP/RFQ responses for group level customers.
• Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline, ensuring consistent opportunity development and conversion.
• Promote the full range of SK AeroSafety Group services, from component MRO and logistics support to pooling and on site servicing programs.
• Provide commercial leadership and insights to influence group wide business strategy and capability development.
• Manage and hold accountability for large RFPs and long term deals.
• Negotiate and execute customer contracts and GAAs.
• Hold accountability for key account revenue growth and customer retention.
• Build long term relationships and strategic partnerships.

Collaboration & Operational Alignment

• Work closely with operational facilities, their respective management teams, and customer service teams to ensure customer requirements are met with excellence.
• Champion proactive communication between sales, operations, logistics, and quality teams to deliver on performanceli>
• Address service issues and escalations in partnership with facility leaders, driving continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Ensure operational and commercial objectives are aligned across sites for key customers operating through multiple SK AeroSafety locations globally.

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Monitor industry trends, customer fleet changes, and market developments to anticipate and shape business opportunities.
• Provide insight to leadership on customer performance, market movements, and emerging risks or opportunities.
• Represent SK AeroSafety Group at aviation industry events, conferences, and customer forums to strengthen market visibility and relationships.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 10 years' experience in aviation aftermarket or MRO sales, with proven success in strategic account management and business development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multinational customer relationships.
• Existing relationships with major UK & European key accounts (e.g., airlines, MROs, lessors, or integrators) strongly preferred.
• Experience working across multiple regions and collaborating with cross functional, multicultural teams.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
• Exceptional negotiation, relationship management, and communication skills.
• Deep understanding of aviation MRO commercial models and regulatory frameworks (EASA/FAA).
• Highly self driven, results oriented, and adept at navigating complex organisational structures.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and project management skills.
• Proficient in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Flexible and willing to travel domestically and internationally as required.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to represent a global leader in aviation safety and MRO services.
• A collaborative, customer focused environment that values initiative and impact.
• Competitive compensation package with performance based incentives.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities within a global organisation.