Director, Business Development - Defense Segment

Albany International Corp.; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Albany International Corp. is looking for a seasoned Sales Leader based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The role focuses on identifying and securing high-value business opportunities, leading strategic sales initiatives, and managing key customer relationships. With over 10 years of progressive experience required, candidates should possess strong negotiation skills, an advanced degree, and expertise in the technical or industrial sectors. The position offers a fully remote setup with travel requirements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in sales, business development, or commercial leadership.
• Proven track record of revenue growth and customer relationship management.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and shaping business strategies.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure high-value business opportunities.
• Lead the development and execution of strategic sales plans.
• Act as the primary relationship leader with key customers.
• Monitor industry dynamics to inform evolving sales approaches.

Skills

Strategic Communication

Negotiation Skills

Market Insight

Relationship Management

Problem Solving

Cross-Functional Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering or related field

MBA or equivalent advanced degree

Job description

Responsibilities

• 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

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

Shift

Day

Shift Information

Salaried

Experience/Education/Skills

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.