VP Business Development- Heavy Systems Manufacturing

Leonardo DRS; Bridgeton (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo DRS seeks a Vice President in our Bridgeton, MO office to lead Business Development for the Heavy Systems Manufacturing line. This role converts qualified near‑term pipeline into profitable bookings, owning qualification, capture, bid/no‑bid decisions, proposals, and strategic customer engagement with Operations, Programs, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance.

You will build and direct a BD, capture, and proposal team, shape the portfolio for profitability, and maintain strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, engineering, operations, or related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 15+ years of progressive defense‑industry business development, capture, manufacturing, program, operations, or related leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Government acquisition and contracting, FAR/DFARS, ITAR/export controls, security, B&P budgeting, cost/price strategy, teaming, data rights, and competitive strategy
• Experience with heavy military systems, combat support or logistics equipment, build‑to‑print/build‑to‑spec manufacturing, sustainment/overhaul, FMS, or defense supply chains strongly preferred
• Demonstrated executive presence, negotiation ability, manufacturing and financial acumen, talent leadership, and exceptional written and oral communication skills
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own the HSM bookings forecast and plan, pipeline coverage, win rate, book‑to‑bill performance, and accuracy of CRM opportunity data
• Identify, qualify, prioritize, and shape HSM opportunities across the 0–24‑month pursuit horizon, balancing market demand, strategic fit, capacity loading, capital needs, margin, and execution risk
• Lead capture strategy, customer call plans, competitive assessments, price‑to‑win inputs, win themes, and pursuit‑specific teaming for production, sustainment, FMS, and heavy‑structures opportunities
• Direct the HSM proposal‑management organization, including proposal‑manager assignment, compliance, color‑team rigor, resource planning, and on‑time submission; control capture and B&P spend within the approved LOB envelope
• Build trusted relationships with U.S. and allied production buyers, program offices, primes, OEMs, sustainment organizations, and logistics customers; ensure one coordinated DRS message through joint account plans
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to develop executable offerings grounded in producibility, manufacturing readiness, quality, sourcing, labor and material economics, throughput, schedule, and lifecycle support
• Shape the opportunity portfolio to leverage HSM facilities and capabilities while protecting profitability; identify early any pursuit‑critical capital, tooling, qualification, supplier, or capacity requirements
• For cross‑LOB pursuits, apply the designated lead‑LOB rules, integrate PSI content and resources early, and maintain single‑threaded accountability for the customer and bid
• Execute formal handoffs from Strategy at the pursue decision and to Programs/Operations at award, preserving the capture baseline, customer commitments, teaming, risks, cost assumptions, and IP/data‑rights posture
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high‑performing HSM BD, capture, and proposal team while reinforcing the organization’s mission, values, culture, ethics, safety, quality, and compliance expectations
• Travel is typically 25%‑50%, including customer, partner, operational, and industry engagements. Must be able to access applicable facilities and comply with safety, security, export control, and customer requirements
• Ensure the development of individual and department plans and budgets are consistent with the strategic plan and overall budget
• Attend appropriate Corporate meetings and report in areas of responsibility as requested
• Perform specific and delegated duties as assigned

Skills

Executive leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

VP Business Development- Heavy Systems Manufacturing

Location: Bridgeton, MO, US, 63044

Job ID:115627

The Leonardo DRS Land Systems business is a recognized leader in the design and integration of complex technologies into new and legacy systems and platforms for global military and commercial customers. We are a 6 year running Top Workplace in the Greater St. Louis area.

Job Summary

Leonardo DRS is seeking a Vice President in our Business Development department in our Bridgeton, MO office and will have the option to work an in person or hybrid schedule. This position will lead business development for the Heavy Systems Manufacturing Line of Business and is accountable for converting qualified near-term pipeline into profitable bookings that support sustainable factory loading. Owns HSM opportunity qualification, capture, bid/no-bid recommendations, proposal execution, and tactical customer engagement in close partnership with the HSM LOB leader, Operations, Programs, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and Strategy & Advanced Technology.

Job Responsibilities

• Own the HSM bookings forecast and plan, pipeline coverage, win rate, book-to-bill performance, and accuracy of CRM opportunity data.
• Identify, qualify, prioritize, and shape HSM opportunities across the 0–24-month pursuit horizon, balancing market demand, strategic fit, capacity loading, capital needs, margin, and execution risk.
• Lead capture strategy, customer call plans, competitive assessments, price-to-win inputs, win themes, and pursuit-specific teaming for production, sustainment, FMS, and heavy-structures opportunities.
• Direct the HSM proposal-management organization, including proposal-manager assignment, compliance, color-team rigor, resource planning, and on-time submission; control capture and B&P spend within the approved LOB envelope.
• Build trusted relationships with U.S. and allied production buyers, program offices, primes, OEMs, sustainment organizations, and logistics customers; ensure one coordinated DRS message through joint account plans.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to develop executable offerings grounded in producibility, manufacturing readiness, quality, sourcing, labor and material economics, throughput, schedule, and lifecycle support.
• Shape the opportunity portfolio to leverage HSM facilities and capabilities while protecting profitability; identify early any pursuit‑critical capital, tooling, qualification, supplier, or capacity requirements.
• For cross‑LOB pursuits, apply the designated lead‑LOB rules, integrate PSI content and resources early, and maintain single‑threaded accountability for the customer and bid.
• Execute formal handoffs from Strategy at the pursue decision and to Programs/Operations at award, preserving the capture baseline, customer commitments, teaming, risks, cost assumptions, and IP/data‑rights posture.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high‑performing HSM BD, capture, and proposal team while reinforcing the organization’s mission, values, culture, ethics, safety, quality, and compliance expectations.
• Travel is typically 25%‑50%, including customer, partner, operational, and industry engagements. Must be able to access applicable facilities and comply with safety, security, export control, and customer requirements.
• Ensure the development of individual and department plans and budgets are consistent with the strategic plan and overall budget
• Attend appropriate Corporate meetings and report in areas of responsibility as requested.
• Perform specific and delegated duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, engineering, operations, or related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 15+ years of progressive defense‑industry business development, capture, manufacturing, program, operations, or related leadership experience, including demonstrated success winning complex production or sustainment pursuits.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Government acquisition and contracting, FAR/DFARS, ITAR/export controls, security, B&P budgeting, cost/price strategy, teaming, data rights, and competitive strategy.
• Experience with heavy military systems, combat support or logistics equipment, build‑to‑print/build‑to‑spec manufacturing, sustainment/overhaul, FMS, or defense supply chains strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated executive presence, negotiation ability, manufacturing and financial acumen, talent leadership, and exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated successful executive presentation skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD Clearance.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

#LSY

Our Vision. To be the leading mid‑tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

• Integrity
• Agility
• Excellence
• Customer Focus
• Community & Respect
• Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.