Director of Business Development

Numat; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive growth in the Defense and Industrial Safety markets. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage deep industry knowledge and relationships to foster the adoption of cutting-edge protective technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset and a proven track record in business development, focusing on market penetration and customer engagement. Join a forward-thinking company that values entrepreneurial spirit and is committed to making a significant impact in advanced materials innovation.

Benefits

Flexible PTO

401K Savings Plan

Paid Parental Leave

Long-term Disability Insurance

Family Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Qualifications

• 15+ years in business development for advanced materials or PPE.
• Strong relationships with defense agencies and contractors.
• Experience with CBRN programs and procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Identify new business opportunities in Defense and Industrial PPE markets.
• Develop go-to-market strategies for MOF-based solutions.
• Represent the company at industry events and conferences.

Skills

Business Development

Relationship Building

Market Strategy

Defense Ecosystem Knowledge

PPE Solutions Adoption

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Scientific or Engineering Discipline

Advanced Degree (MS, MBA)

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL or Washington, DC areas preferred. Candidates located near (within 20 miles) of a major airport will also be considered

Travel: + 25%

Compensation: Competitive salary and equity

Benefits include: Competitive salary and benefits including Family Health, Dental, Vision; Flexible PTO, FSA Benefits, 401K Savings Plan, Paid Parental Leave, and Long-term Disability Insurance

Reports to: Executive Vice President – Industrials

The Company

Numat is a fast-growing, growth-stage company at the forefront of advanced materials innovation, pioneering the use of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) across industries, including semiconductor, personal protective equipment (PPE), and industrial decarbonization. Numat’s cutting-edge MOF-based solutions are designed to provide enhanced protection for military personnel, first responders, and industrial workers operating in hazardous environments. As Numat expands into the Defense, Industrial and PPE markets, we are seeking a highly motivated Director of Business Development to drive market entry, build customer base, enhance current customer relationships, and promote the adoption, procurement and product sustainment of Numat’s next-generation CBRN protection technologies.

Position Overview

This role presents an exciting opportunity to play a foundational role in Numat’s growth within the Defense and Industrial Safety markets. We recognize that these are two different market segments and are open to creating separate roles, prioritizing individuals with experience and strategic fit.

We are looking for individuals who bring a deep, working knowledge of the Defense or Industrial ecosystem, and who understand the landscape, know the key decision-makers, and can confidently navigate the channels that lead to procurement, partnership, and impact. You will be expected to leverage your existing relationships and insights to identify and engage the right customers, programs, and organizations where Numat’s advanced protection technologies can deliver the greatest value.

The ideal candidate is motivated to win, entrepreneurial in spirit, and sees this role as a chance to apply their expertise in a meaningful way. We're seeking a candidate who is connected, strategic, and understands how to drive adoption of new technology with a focus on scalable, long-term success.

A strong understanding of end-user needs, from military branches and defense contractors to industrial safety professionals, is essential. Experience with Defense-focused end customers and operators is especially valuable due to the protective capabilities of Numat’s materials. Additionally, relevant experience in the CBRN ecosystem, as an operator, innovator or supplier, is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and capture new business opportunities within the Defense (including CBRN) and Industrial PPE markets.
• Establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including defense agencies, military branches, defense contractors, and industrial safety organizations.
• Develop and implement go-to-market strategies and related detailed roadmaps to drive sales and market penetration for MOF-based PPE solutions, including respiratory, fabrics/garments, and filtration applications.
• Lead efforts to establish new markets for advanced protection solutions powered by MOFs, educating key decision-makers on MOF-based advantages and applications.
• Represent Numat at industry conferences, trade shows, and customer meetings, acting as a key ambassador for Numat’s brand and solutions.
• Work internally with Numat cross-functional teams in product development, program/project management, marketing, operations and manufacturing to align business development efforts with company capabilities and objectives.
• Continually build knowledge on Defense procurement processes, industrial safety regulations, DoD budgeting/programming trends, and opportunities that may impact business development efforts.
• Candidate will be expected to regularly work with and brief Numat’s Board of Directors and Executive Leadership team, industry partners and DoD/Federal Government customers in a virtual and in-person settings, requiring excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Generate proposals, white papers, presentations, and strategic plans to support business growth.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of experience, preferably in business development role in advanced materials, PPE, or related defense/industrial markets, OR as a CBRN professional.
• Proven track record of building new business lines, expanding customer bases, and driving revenue growth, OR in driving the adoption of new PPE solutions to the field.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to take initiative, solve problems, and adapt to a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage with Defense/Federal agencies, defense contractors, DoD primes and original equipment manufacturers, and industrial safety professionals. Candidate should have established network of professional contacts within these communities and be willing to leverage those relationships to further Numat business objectives.
• Experience and programmatic/technical knowledge of current DoD/Federal Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) DoD Programs of Record, platforms/systems and/or modernization initiatives.
• Experience with DoD procurement/contracting processes, requirements development, Test & Evaluation, garment/textile program management and/or DoD & Industrial safety standards.
• Ability to work independently, with little supervision, all while collaborating effectively with internal technical teams and corporate support organizations.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently (25-50%) to participate in industry shows/events, customer engagements, industry partner meetings and related seminars/working groups.

Education

• A bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering, or business-related discipline from an accredited institution is required. An advanced degree (e.g., MS, MBA) is preferred but not mandatory. Professional certification in project management (such as PMP) is also preferred but not required.
• Defense Acquisition University credential(s) and/or course curriculum completion desired. This experience demonstrates knowledge of DoD/Federal Government procurement, system engineering, logistics, acquisition and program management processes.

NOTE: **NO AGENCIES**

Numat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or an unfavorable discharge from military service. We at Numat are committed to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

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