Business Development Manager, US Defense Sustainment

Socket.dev; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

AM General seeks a seasoned sales leader to drive aftermarket sales strategies and expand international business partnerships. The role involves sustaining the current fleet, developing new opportunities, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver winning proposals.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in aftermarket sales and international business development, with ITAR knowledge and strong communication skills, and will travel up to 30% to support US defense customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience.
• Master's degree preferred for advanced roles.
• 5+ years of aftermarket sales experience.
• 5+ years of international business development or program management experience.
• Knowledge of export regulations/processes (e.g., ITAR).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for executive presentations.
• Experience with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce).
• Existing relationships with key customers (DLA, DCMA, TACOM, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Maintain current customer relations with US customers and distributors.
• Lead development of US Defense Aftermarket sales strategies and execution planning for all AM General products.
• Sustainment of the current and future AM General fleet (parts, training, field service).
• Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with customers and potential customers.
• Develop sales proposals and responses to customers and key accounts.
• Screen and identify proposals, bids, and other domestic opportunities.
• Drive cross-functional cooperation to ensure seamless customer satisfaction.

Skills

Aftermarket sales

International business

Program management

CRM tools

Executive communication

Export controls ITAR

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business (or related)

Master's degree preferred

Job description

INTRODUCTION TO AM GENERAL

AM General develops and builds specialized ground vehicle systems that get the US Armed Services and our allies to and from their mission safely. Our innovative spirit delivers advanced, rugged, resilient, and dependable mobility solutions. We are one team dedicated to producing the best products for our customers. We have a collective understanding that at AM General our purpose is to serve those who serve to protect us.

We R.I.D.E. with Sgt. Smith!
We are Responsive We have Integrity We are Dynamic We exhibit Excellence

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain current customer relations with US customers and distributors
• Lead the development of US Defense Aftermarket sales strategies and execution planning for all AM General products.
• Sustainment of the current and future AM General fleet (parts, training, field service).
• Growth Opportunities and execution plans within current product offerings
• Growth Opportunities and execution strategies for all products/services
• Business cases for new opportunities to include ROI and timing
• Shape and deliver proposals and responses to customers and key accounts
• Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with customers and potential customers
• Drive obsolescence programs with customers moving them to reset or new vehicle purchases where necessary
• Identify partners or customers in support of increased distribution opportunities
• Screen and identify proposals, bids, and other domestic opportunities
• Develop sales channels applicable to US customers and distributors
• Responsible for aftermarket parts/programs project management
• Lead and develop organization in support of dynamic customer needs
• Continuously drive skill set improvements within organization
• Develop and maintain key process indicators and regular reporting to include corrective actions as necessary
• Work and promote cross functional cooperation and alignment of process to assure seamless customer satisfaction

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree Business with emphasis in international business, Engineering, or related field required or equivalent experience along with high school diploma or GED required
• Preferred Master's degree in Business or related field
• 5 or more years of experience in aftermarket sales and support
• 5 years or more years' experience with international business development and/or program management
• Knowledge of export regulations/processes (e.g., ITAR, Department of State Licensing)
• Strong interpersonal skills that ensure collaborative and trusting relationships with the team, peers, customers, and leadership
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to develop and deliver executive level presentations
• Knowledgeable in Customer Relationships Management (CRM) tools (e.g. Salesforce)
• Existing relationships with key customers (DLA, DCMA, TACOM, etc.)

PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Sight: must be able to regularly read computer screen, reports, and various documents with detail and clarity to accomplish work tasks in a safe and efficient manner, including regular use of adequate close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus
• Hearing: must be able to regularly hear well enough to communicate

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical Location: This position operates between an office and customer sites
• Teamwork: This position will work with others to ensure efficiency in the workplace
• Listening Skills: This position will need to understand how to use machinery properly and safely to prevent accidents and ensure all tasks are completed accurately
• Ability to follow instructions: Managers assign tasks and responsibilities, which vary; this position should be able to follow instructions competently
• Methodical approach: Production lines follow a set process, so this position needs a methodical approach to ensure all tasks are completed in the correct order for a smooth-running production line
• Concentration: This position may perform the same or similar tasks repeatedly, so a strong level of concentration when carrying out these tasks is important for quality control purposes. This role is often fast paced, so being able to maintain focus at all times is important

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Up to 30% travel may be required