Sales Director - Middle East and Africa

About GA Telesis

GA Telesis is a global leader offering integrated solutions to the aviation and aerospace sectors, expanding rapidly across 30 countries and six continents with a network of 54 locations serving over 2,000 clients including airlines, OEMs, and MRO providers. Our mission centers on ensuring customer success through comprehensive aviation solutions.

Role Overview

The Sales Director position in Dubai plays a pivotal role in advancing GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES) growth within the Middle East and Africa, focusing mainly on strengthening our market presence in engine MRO services for CFM and CF6 jet engines. Reporting to the VP of Sales for APAC, Middle East, and Africa, this role involves identifying and developing new business prospects, leveraging technical expertise and excellent communication skills to engage airlines and lessors. The candidate will work without direct subordinates but will coordinate extensively internally and externally.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute strategies to expand customer accounts and deepen relationships with key clients in designated regions.
• Keep abreast of market trends, competition, and client demands to create insightful market intelligence and value propositions supporting internal sales reviews.
• Meet or exceed yearly sales targets within the Middle East and Africa region.
• Lead sales strategies and manage deal teams throughout engine MRO campaign lifecycles, ensuring cross-departmental coordination and successful negotiations.
• Work closely with commercial, legal, finance, and operational teams to optimize contract preparation, submission, and negotiations.
• Drive sales negotiations and contract execution in partnership with the commercial department.
• Manage the transition of won engine MRO contracts to customer service and production teams seamlessly.
• Address ongoing commercial challenges and support contract profitability throughout its duration.
• Oversee cash flow activities including accounts receivable and payment defaults with assigned clients.
• Forecast engine shop visit opportunities and maintain CRM data for informed annual budget preparation.
• Prepare and present customer-facing presentations and act as company representative at industry events.
• Ensure compliance with trade regulations and lead the Know Your Customer (KYC) approval processes.
• Scout and develop new business opportunities within other GA Telesis sectors.
• Disseminate market intelligence internally to support strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in aviation sales, particularly within commercial aviation MRO.
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or college.
• Strong background in airline and aviation business operations, regulations, and engine MRO industry trends specifically in the Middle East and Africa.
• Technical proficiency in jet engine technology and repair procedures.
• Comprehensive understanding of commercial strategies vital to secure contracts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiation and closing deals successfully.
• Customer-focused approach with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and work independently.
• Fluent in using CRM software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Readiness to travel extensively, approximately 40% or more.

Company Information

GA Telesis Engine Services Oy, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, is a prominent provider of aircraft engine MRO services specializing in GE CF6-80C2 and CFM56 engine families. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, the company enhances engine performance and durability on a global scale.