Senior Aerospace Strategy & Capture Leader

Woodward FST; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 114,000 - 211,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Annual stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Woodward is seeking a Senior Strategic Product Technology & Capture Manager to lead business development and technology strategy in aerospace and adjacent markets. The role requires deep aerospace expertise, engineering background, and a proven ability to drive technology-driven product development.

Responsibilities include shaping market strategies, leading capture activities, and coordinating cross-functional teams to win high-value proposals while advancing innovative solutions for growth.

Qualifications

• Strong aerospace experience required or equivalent
• Engineering degree required
• 5+ years experience in related field
• Flight control actuation background preferable
• Hydraulic systems experience desirable

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive business development, market growth, and product technology strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Assess market opportunities, customer needs, industry trends, and competitive landscapes to identify growth opportunities and support strategic decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through demonstrated technical expertise, market insight, and trusted partnership.
• Lead capture planning and pursuit efforts, including opportunity qualification, customer assessments, win strategies, competitive analysis, pricing strategies, and proposal development.
• Develop system-level solutions and proposals for new programs, leveraging existing technologies and identifying opportunities for innovative technology development.
• Craft compelling value propositions, messaging, and positioning strategies that clearly communicate differentiated customer value.
• Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams to execute strategic pursuits, product launches, technology initiatives, and business growth programs.
• Develop and communicate market intelligence, customer insights, competitive assessments, and strategic recommendations to leadership and pursuit teams.
• Establish and cultivate industry partnerships, strategic alliances, and key stakeholder relationships to strengthen competitive positioning in aerospace and adjacent markets.
• Collaborate with engineering and CTO leadership to identify and prioritize R&D investments in line with future opportunities.
• Oversee proposal development activities, ensuring compliance, quality, and timely delivery of winning proposals.
• Lead technical presentations, customer engagements, and executive reviews to communicate strategies and value propositions.
• Identify exploratory studies and strategic initiatives that may evolve into future opportunities.
• Utilize data analytics and customer feedback to refine strategies and improve growth impact.

Skills

Strategic Business Development

Strategic Thinking & Market Vision

Capture & Pursuit Management

Market & Competitive Intelligence

Customer Relationship Management

Technology Strategy & Innovation

Cross-Functional Leadership

Executive Communication

Partnership Development

Proposal & Program Leadership

Analytical Decision Making

Project & Portfolio Management

Aerospace Experience

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Woodward is seeking a Senior Strategic Product Technology & Capture Manager to lead business development and technology strategy in aerospace and adjacent markets. The role requires deep aerospace expertise, engineering background, and a proven ability to drive technology-driven product development.

Responsibilities include shaping market strategies, leading capture activities, and coordinating cross-functional teams to win high-value proposals while advancing innovative solutions for growth.