Sales Director

ZimZee Recruiting; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ZimZee Recruiting in Wichita, Kansas seeks a Director of Sales (Defense) to lead sales strategy, business development, and contract acquisition within the defense aviation market. The role focuses on expanding opportunities with military, DoD, IC, federal government customers, and defense prime contractors.

The position requires 10+ years in aviation and a strong track record in leadership, government sales, and complex contracting processes. A security clearance and A&P license are a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field.
• 10+ years direct aviation industry experience, preferably with aviation electrical and avionics systems.
• 5+ years direct supervisory experience leading and developing teams.
• Proven experience selling to government customers and defense prime contractors with DoD acquisition processes, federal procurement, and government contracting.
• Experience in business development, contract negotiations, and program or project management.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government and DoD security clearance.
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification and/or pilot's license is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic business plans to drive revenue growth in defense aviation sector.
• Build and maintain relationships with military, DoD, intelligence community, federal government customers, and defense prime contractors to strengthen partnerships.
• Lead government business development and contracting efforts, navigating OTAs, CSOs, consortia, and FAR-based contracts; oversee RFIs, RFPs, and pricing strategies.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage long-term agreements and product support agreements to sustain customer relationships and program success.
• Lead, coach, and develop direct reports, with clear priorities and performance development.

Skills

Aviation industry experience

Leadership / people management

Government contracting / DoD acquire

Business development / contract nego

Sales to government customers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

ZimZee Recruiting is looking for a Director of Sales (Defense) to lead sales strategy, business development, and contract acquisition efforts within the defense aviation market. My client is located in Wichita, KS and the Director of Sales will focus on expanding business opportunities and strengthening relationships with military, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), intelligence community (IC), federal government customers, and defense prime contractors.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of direct aviation industry experience, preferably involving aviation electrical and avionics systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct supervisory experience, with demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop teams.
• Proven experience selling to government customers and defense prime contractors, with a strong understanding of DoD acquisition processes, federal procurement, and government contracting.
• Demonstrated success in business development, contract negotiations, and program or project management.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government and DoD security clearance.
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification and/or pilot's license is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic business plans to drive revenue growth, expand market presence, and identify new opportunities within the defense aviation sector.
• Build and maintain relationships with military, DoD, intelligence community, federal government customers, and defense prime contractors to strengthen existing partnerships and secure new business.
• Lead government business development and contracting efforts, navigating procurement pathways including Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), consortiums, and traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based contracts. Oversee RFIs, RFPs, and competitive pricing strategies.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage business agreements, including long-term agreements (LTAs) and product support agreements (PSAs), to support sustainable customer relationships and program success.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop direct reports, establishing clear priorities and supporting individual and team performance.