Samtel Avionics - Assistant Manager - Business Development - UAV Domain

Job Description:

Role: Assistant Manager

Profile: Business Development

Domain: UAV (Defence)

Experience : 4-8 years

Preferred Background: Engineering (Aerospace / ECE / Electronics / Mechanical / Instrumentation); MBA is a plus

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role:

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Manager Business Development to lead growth for our UAV / unmanned systems solutions in the defence and homeland security sector. You will own key accounts across the Armed Forces, paramilitary/CAPFs, DRDO/DPSUs, and government agencies driving opportunities end to end, shaping winning technical proposals, and steering long, trials-driven defence sales cycles to closure.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Account Ownership:

- Own and grow a portfolio of key defence accounts Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), paramilitary/CAPFs (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB), DRDO, DPSUs, and homeland security agencies.

- Build and execute account and territory plans; carry and deliver on revenue / order-book targets.

- Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with decision-makers, nodal officers, system integrators, and channel partners.

- Drive engagement in defence programs and initiatives (iDEX, Make-I/II, indigenization / Aatmanirbhar Bharat) and shape opportunities early in the requirement stage.

Pre-Sales / Technical Leadership:

- Lead interpretation of GSQR/QR and tender specifications and define the solution strategy, platform, and payload configuration.

- Own the technical proposal process end to end compliance matrices, quotations, and structured tender/RFP responses ensuring quality and win-readiness.

- Lead technical presentations, customer briefings, and the planning and execution of field trials, flight demos, and POC evaluations.

- Serve as the primary technical bridge between customers and internal engineering / product teams; influence the product roadmap with field and market insights.

- Conduct competitive intelligence and shape positioning, differentiation, and pricing strategy.

Leadership & Coordination:

- Represent the company at defence exhibitions and forums (e.g., DefExpo, Aero India) and build brand presence.

- Ensure compliance with procurement documentation, indigenous content (IDDM) requirements, and trial protocols.

- Mentor and guide junior pre-sales / BD executives and coordinate cross-functionally across operations, finance, and legal for bids and delivery.

- Provide accurate forecasting and pipeline reporting to leadership.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering Aerospace, ECE, Electronics, Mechanical, Instrumentation, or related field; MBA / management qualification is a plus.

- 4 - 5 years of experience in pre-sales, business development, or technical sales, with a proven track record in the defence / aerospace / UAV / electronics industry.

- Solid understanding of UAV systems: airframes (fixed-wing, VTOL, multirotor), flight controllers, datalinks, ground control stations, and ISR payloads (EO/IR gimbals, LiDAR, and related sensors).

- Hands-on experience with defence procurement DAP, tendering, trials/evaluation, GeM / e-procurement, and GSQR/QR interpretation.

- Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex, long-cycle defence deals and deliver on targets.

- Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and proposal/compliance-writing skills.

- Proficiency in MS Office and CRM tools for pipeline and account management.

- Willingness to travel extensively for client engagements, field trials, demos, and events.