Business Development Manager

StartupNWA; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid time off

Company holidays

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Life and disability insurance

Pilots license program

Job summary

Game Aerospace is seeking a seasoned Business Development Manager to drive growth in its Metal Fabrication and precision machining operations in Bentonville, AR. You will lead customer acquisition, build strategic partnerships, and convert RFQs into profitable contracts, collaborating with engineering and operations to meet delivery expectations.

The role requires a deep aerospace background, strong relationships with OEMs and suppliers, and a proven track record of securing long-term contracts.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of business development experience in aerospace or aviation.
• Proven success securing manufacturing contracts and building profitable revenue growth.
• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, customer purchasing requirements, and supplier qualification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic business development plan focused on profitable manufacturing contracts.
• Identify and secure new opportunities with aerospace OEMs, Tier 1s, and adjacent markets.
• Generate and maintain a pipeline of RFQs and convert them into contracts.

Skills

Business development

Aerospace

CRM systems

Negotiation

RFQ management

Strategic partnerships

Tools

CRM software

ERP systems

Job description

Education LevelNot SpecifiedCategoryBusiness Development## Description**Position:** Business Development Manager - Metal Fabrication**Classification:** Full-Time, Exempt**Positions Reports to:** Director of Metal Fabrication**Location:** Bentonville, AR**Shift:** 1st Shift**About the Position**Game Aerospace is seeking an experienced **Business Development Manager** to drive new business opportunities and profitable growth for our Metal Fabrication department, including our machining operations in Mt. Ida, Arkansas.This senior-level position requires an established aerospace business development professional with industry relationships, strong knowledge of metal fabrication and precision machining, and a demonstrated history of securing significant manufacturing contracts.The ideal candidate will independently develop and execute a customer acquisition strategy, identify new market opportunities, build a consistent pipeline of qualified requests for quotation (RFQs), and convert those opportunities into profitable, long-term business. This individual must understand aerospace manufacturing capabilities and customer requirements while building relationships that support sustainable growth.We are looking for a highly motivated, results-driven professional who can confidently represent Game Aerospace, open doors to new opportunities, and take ownership of business development from initial contact through contract award and ongoing customer relationships.**What You Will Do*** Develop and execute a strategic business development plan focused on generating profitable manufacturing contracts for Game Aerospace's Metal Fabrication department.* Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities with aerospace OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, aviation manufacturers, and customers in adjacent manufacturing markets.* Leverage existing industry relationships while actively developing new customer accounts and strategic partnerships.* Generate and maintain a consistent pipeline of qualified RFQs, converting opportunities into awarded contracts and sustainable production business.* Lead the full business development cycle, including prospecting, customer engagement, opportunity qualification, quotation coordination, negotiations, and contract awards.* Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and operations teams to evaluate technical requirements, production capabilities, pricing, margins, and delivery expectations.* Identify opportunities for precision machining, CNC manufacturing, metal fabrication, and aerospace component production.* Develop long-term customer relationships that generate repeat business and continued revenue growth.* Represent Game Aerospace at customer meetings, facility visits, industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events.* Monitor industry trends, customer requirements, and emerging market opportunities to support long-term business growth.* Establish measurable business development objectives and track pipeline activity, RFQ conversion rates, awarded contracts, and projected revenue.* Provide leadership with regular updates on business development activities, opportunities, customer relationships, and growth strategies.* Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability while representing both personal and company reputations.**Benefits & Perks*** Competitive salary based on experience* Paid Time Off + Company Paid Holidays* Medical, dental, and vision insurance* 401(k) with 4% match* Employer Paid Life and Disability insurance* Fully sponsored Private Pilot's License program## Qualifications**Qualifications*** 10+ years of business development experience within the aerospace or aviation industry.* Familiarity with FAA STC, PMA, and TSO, including their relevance to aviation manufacturing and parts markets.* Demonstrated success securing significant manufacturing contracts, developing new customer accounts, and generating profitable revenue growth.* Proven experience securing business involving metal fabrication, precision machining, aerospace components, or related manufacturing services.* Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, customer purchasing requirements, and supplier qualification procedures.* Working knowledge of CNC machining, metal fabrication, manufacturing tolerances, materials, and production lead times.* Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing requirements.* Experience evaluating RFQs and collaborating with internal teams on pricing, estimating, capacity, and profitability.* Demonstrated ability to independently develop and execute customer acquisition strategies.* Experience negotiating complex agreements and managing strategic customer relationships.* Strong understanding of manufacturing pricing, margins, quoting processes, and production capacity.* Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-management skills.* Experience managing sales pipelines, customer accounts, and CRM systems.**What We Prefer*** Hands-on machining or metal fabrication experience.* Established aerospace industry relationships capable of generating qualified near-term business opportunities.* Experience securing repeat production contracts for precision-machined components, fabricated metal parts, and aerospace assemblies.* Experience expanding manufacturing services into new aerospace customers and adjacent industrial markets.* A demonstrated history of developing and growing strategic customer accounts.**Who Thrives Here*** You are proactive, energetic, and motivated by measurable results.* You bring a builder mindset, sound judgment, and a practical, straightforward approach to solving problems.* You balance ambition with integrity, respecting your own professional reputation as much as the company's.* You work comfortably across leadership, engineering, and the shop floor without ego.* You thrive in a fast-paced environment, communicate clearly, and follow through on commitments.*Game Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status of protected veteran, among other things or status as a qualified individual with a disability.*