Director, Business Development - Defense Segment

albanyjobs; Salt Lake City (UT); Remote; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Albanyjobs is seeking a senior market development and sales leader to identify opportunities, lead strategic plans, and guide market positioning across industries. The role emphasizes executive presence, cross-functional collaboration, and revenue growth.

Remote-friendly, with up to 50% travel, the position requires 10+ years in sales leadership, experience with engineered materials or manufacturing, and a track record of strong customer relationships and KPI-driven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in sales, business development, or leadership.
• Proven revenue growth and customer relationship management in technical or industrial settings.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams at a senior level.
• Familiarity with engineered materials, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Identify high-value opportunities and drive strategic sales plans.
• Lead cross-functional teams across Product, Marketing, Engineering, and PM.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key customers and partners.
• Track KPIs, analyze performance trends, and report insights to leadership.

Skills

Strategic communication

Executive presence

Negotiation

Market insight

Relationship management

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Job description

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.