
Director, Business Development - Defense Segment
Required skills
- Business Development
- Defense Segment
- sales strategy
- market development
- revenue growth
- customer relationship management
- account leadership
- negotiation
- contracting
- cross-functional leadership
Nice to have
- engineered materials
- aerospace
- manufacturing sectors
Role summary
The Director, Business Development - Defense Segment will be responsible for identifying and securing high-value business opportunities within the defense sector. This role involves leading the development and execution of strategic sales plans, performing market and competitive analyses, and acting as a primary relationship leader with key customers and industry partners. The position also requires leading cross-functional teams, mentoring sales professionals, and establishing performance KPIs. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required, with an MBA strongly preferred. Candidates should have 10+ years of progressive experience in sales, business development, or commercial leadership, with a proven track record of revenue growth and customer relationship management in a technical or industrial setting. Familiarity with engineered materials, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors is highly advantageous. The position can be fully remote with up to 50% travel.
Key Responsibilities
Market Development & Sales Strategy
- Identify and secure high-value business opportunities across relevant markets
- Lead the development and execution of strategic sales plans aligned with corporate objectives
- Perform advanced market and competitive analyses to guide positioning and differentiation
- Monitor industry dynamics to inform evolving sales approaches
Customer Relationship & Account Leadership
- Act as a primary relationship leader with key customers and industry partners
- Collaborate across teams to deliver customized proposals and presentations
- Ensure consistent customer satisfaction and drive high retention through proactive engagement
Performance Optimization & Team Leadership
- Lead cross-functional collaboration across Product, Marketing, Engineering, and Program Management
- Mentor and develop sales professionals to elevate performance and succession planning
- Establish and report KPIs, identify performance trends, and present insights to senior leadership
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Revenue & Growth: Revenue from new business, sales target attainment, conversion rates
- Customer Experience: Satisfaction scores, retention metrics
- Sales Efficiency: Deal cycle length, close rate
- Team Development: Training, promotion pipeline, employee productivity
Core Competencies
- Strategic Communication and Executive Presence
- High-level Negotiation and Contracting Skills
- Advanced Market Insight and Business Acumen
- Relationship Management and Influence Building
- Complex Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Industry and Product Expertise
- Cross-Functional Leadership
Education & Experience Requirements
- Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field required
- MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred
- Experience:
- 10+ years of progressive experience in sales, business development, or commercial leadership
- Proven track record of revenue growth and customer relationship management in a technical or industrial setting
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and shaping business strategies at a senior level
- Familiarity with engineered materials, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors is highly advantageous
Location:
Position can be fully remote, up to 50% travel required.
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