UAS Account & Portfolio Director
About The Position
Thales is seeking a UAS Account & Portfolio Director to develop the market and identify business opportunities for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) integration into the national airspace system (NAS). The position is part of the Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) team within the Airspace Mobility Solutions Business Line. The director works with federal and state governments and industry organizations to support safe and secure UAS/AAM operations and build on the success of the Vantis program in North Dakota. The role leads market development, account growth, portfolio competitiveness, customer relationships, and the pursuit and delivery of business across assigned accounts. It manages a portfolio targeting approximately $20 million in order intake, with an expectation of more than doubling that figure within five years. The position is based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and may be remote or hybrid; the Eastern Time Zone is preferred. Travel to customer locations, other Thales sites, and industry events may be required domestically and internationally, up to 30%.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, such as engineering, business, or aviation.
- At least 10 years of professional experience in the aviation and/or UAS industry.
- At least 10 years of professional experience working with or within state and local government.
- At least 5 years of project or team leadership experience.
- Demonstrated ability to motivate teams, drive results across virtual teams, and represent Thales Group as a whole.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, initiative, curiosity, and autonomy.
- Strong team-building, communication, influencing, and negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders.
- Extensive exposure to and knowledge of the UAS industry.
- Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally, including to customer locations, other Thales sites, and industry events.
- Ability to visit customer sites regularly to perform essential job responsibilities.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire; visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future.
- Successful completion of a post-offer background check is required.
Responsibilities
- Position Thales as a global leader in UTM/UAS integration by defining market strategies, strengthening portfolio competitiveness, and representing the company at key industry events.
- Build a long-term pipeline, expand market share, and drive above-market growth through strategic opportunities and customer partnerships.
- Develop and execute business and account plans reflecting customer priorities, competitive insights, and growth initiatives in collaboration with the UTM team.
- Align internal and external stakeholders, share customer insights, and coordinate account and sales teams to advance opportunities and secure orders.
- Direct and monitor bids, projects, and programs across assigned accounts to deliver business results, customer satisfaction, and compliance with governance requirements.
- Serve as the primary customer contact, build trust and loyalty, address satisfaction concerns, and drive strategic initiatives supporting short- and medium-term growth.
- Manage a business portfolio targeting approximately $20 million in order intake, with the expectation of more than doubling that figure within five years.
- Visit customer sites regularly and travel domestically and internationally as needed to support business needs.
Benefits
- Elective health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) options.
- Voluntary life and AD&D, whole group life with long-term care, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance.
- Legal plan, identity theft coverage, and pet insurance.
- Retirement savings plan available after 30 days, with company contribution and matching and no vesting period.
- Company-paid holidays and paid time off.
- Company-provided life insurance, AD&D, disability coverage, employee assistance plan, and well-being program.
- Additional benefits and other compensation may be offered depending on circumstances.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
