Job Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Business Development Manager with expertise in the Aerospace & Defense sector, particularly in government service contracts. This role will lead and manage the capture process for new business opportunities, focusing on U.S. government contracts, including defense, space, and federal agency requirements. The ideal candidate will be responsible for identifying new business, developing competitive strategies, managing proposal efforts, and building relationships with key government stakeholders to ensure continued business growth and success. Key Responsibilities:
Opportunity Identification: Lead the identification and qualification of high-potential government contracting opportunities, particularly in defense, aerospace, and related sectors. Stay informed on key government solicitations, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Requests for Quotes (RFQs).
Capture Strategy Development: Develop and implement strategic capture plans for U.S. government contracts. This includes assessing customer requirements, competitive positioning, pricing strategies, risk management, and compliance with government regulations.
Proposal Leadership: Oversee the development and submission of compliant, high-quality proposals for government contracts. Collaborate with technical, pricing, and compliance teams to create compelling solutions that meet government needs and align with company capabilities.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including engineering, legal, finance, and program management, to align capture efforts with company objectives and ensure proposal excellence.
Government Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key government clients, including DoD, NASA, and other federal agencies. Engage with program managers and contracting officers to gain insights into their needs and establish the company as a trusted partner.
Market and Competitive Analysis: Conduct thorough market research to understand evolving defense and aerospace industry trends, government procurement policies, and competitor strategies. Use this information to craft targeted business development approaches.
Contract Negotiations: Lead negotiations with government contracting officers, ensuring favorable terms and compliance with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) and other government policies.
Pipeline Management: Maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date pipeline of opportunities and track progress against business development goals, key performance indicators, and metrics.
Post-Award Transition: Ensure a smooth transition of awarded contracts from capture to execution by collaborating with project teams and providing support during the contract kick-off and implementation phases.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field. An MBA or relevant advanced degree is preferred.
Experience:
Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, capture management, or proposal management within the Aerospace & Defense industry.
Proven experience winning government contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, or other federal agencies.
Deep understanding of government contracting processes, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and the capture and proposal lifecycle.
Skills:
Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior government officials, military personnel, and internal stakeholders.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to develop and execute complex capture strategies.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Capture Management software, CRM tools, and government portals (e.g., SAM.gov, FedBizOpps).
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, complex environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience working with government prime contractors and subcontractors in the aerospace, defense, or intelligence sectors.
Expertise in major defense programs or emerging aerospace technologies (e.g., UAVs, satellite communications, cybersecurity).
Established relationships with key government agencies and defense contractors.
Personal Attributes:
Highly self-motivated, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Strong attention to detail while also being able to think strategically about business opportunities.
Results-driven, with a focus on securing contracts and expanding the company's footprint in the Aerospace & Defense market.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.