Sales Director Defense and Security France

About Atos Group

Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 54,000 employees and annual revenue of c. €7.2 billion (at the go-forward perimeter), operating in 54 countries under two brands - Atos for services and Eviden for products and systems. European number one in cybersecurity and a leader in cloud, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos Group is listed on Euronext Paris. 

About Eviden

Eviden is the Atos Group brand focused on cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI. A trusted partner to public and private sector organizations, Eviden deploys advanced analytics capabilities and helps ensure the robustness, continuity and resilience of its customers’ operations. Leveraging more than 2,200 experts and 720 patents, Eviden helps protect people, data and critical infrastructures worldwide, at the convergence of intelligence, sovereignty and trust.

Position Summary

Mission Critical Systems (MCS) is seeking a highly experienced Sales Director Defense and Security France to lead and accelerate the growth of its Defense and Security business in France.

Reporting directly to the Head of MCS, the Sales Director France will be responsible for a business portfolio exceeding €100 million in Order entry, with the potential to expand the scope depending on the candidate's profile and demonstrated capabilities.

The role combines operational leadership, strategic business development, senior stakeholder management, and strong representation responsibilities towards French governmental authorities, defense institutions, and strategic industrial partners (BITD). The successful candidate will play a key role in positioning MCS in France as a leading   provider of mission-critical defense solutions and technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Business Leadership

• Own the commercial performance and growth of the MCS business in France.
• Deliver Order intake and pipeline targets as well as account strategy and partnership strategy.
• Develop and execute the Defense and Security sales strategy in alignment with MCS business units and corporate objectives.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the French Ministry of Armed Forces, DGA, defense agencies, armed services, ministry of Interior and strategic defense industrial players.

Customer & Institutional Engagement

• Serve as the primary MCS and Eviden representative towards French governmental and defense authorities.
• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with key stakeholders across:
• Ministry of Armed Forces (MinArm) and Ministry of Interior
• DGA
• Armed Forces
• Intelligence and homeland security organisations
• Defense Prime Contractors and BITD ecosystem
• Represent MCS in industry forums, strategic working groups and governmental discussions.

Team Management

• Lead, inspire and develop a team of more than 10 professionals, including:
• Dedicated sales managers
• Business development professionals
• Former military advisors and defense consultants
• Build a high-performance sales culture focused on customer intimacy, accountability and results.
• Develop talent and succession plans for key commercial positions as well as coaching of junior members.

Strategic Coordination

• Ensure full alignment between market opportunities and MCS products, solution and service roadmaps.
• Work closely with Business Units, Engineering, Delivery and Strategy teams to maximize business impact.
• Contribute to strategic planning, investment decisions and long-term market positioning.

Executive Visibility

• Act as a trusted advisor to the MCS Executive Leadership Team.
• Provide regular market intelligence and strategic recommendations to Eviden CEO and senior leadership.
• Support major bids, strategic partnerships, mergers, acquisitions and defense ecosystem initiatives when required.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience within the French Defense ecosystem.
• Significant experience working with or within:
• DGA
• Ministry of Armed Forces and Interior
• French Defense institutions
• Defense Prime Contractors
• Proven track record in business development, account management, sales leadership or defense programs.
• Experience managing large, strategic customer relationships and complex procurement environments.

Leadership Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong executive presence and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in highly visible and politically sensitive environments.

Technical & Industry Knowledge

• Strong affinity for technology and innovation.
• Good understanding of:
• Defense systems
• Mission-critical communications
• Digital defense technologies
• Cybersecurity
• Command & Control systems
• Embedded and software-intensive systems
• Understanding of French and European defense procurement processes.

Education & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Public Affairs, Defense Studies or a related discipline.
• Former Close collaboration with military organisations is considered a strong asset.

Languages

• Native or fluent French.
• Professional level English, capable of operating in international executive and customer environments.

Nationality & Security

• French nationality required.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain French security clearance.

What Makes This Role Unique and why to join MCS

• Ownership of a strategic business exceeding €100M.
• Significant visibility with C-level leadership, government authorities and leading defense organizations.
• Opportunity to shape the future growth strategy of a key sovereign technology player.
• Direct reporting line to MCS head, and visibility from Group senior management and Eviden CEO
• Potential for expanded responsibilities based on experience, performance and strategic impact.
• MCS in France still has the flexibility of a midsize company but manages already Tier-1 business with high visibility on the market

Here at Atos, diversity and inclusion are embedded in our DNA. Read more about our commitment to a fair work environment for all.

Atos is a recognized leader in its industry across Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. Find out more on our CSR commitment. 

Let’s grow together.