Senior Business Development Manager – Defense & Aerospace

Description

At Knight Aerospace, we offer more than a paycheck—we provide a rewarding career with competitive compensation and valuable benefits designed to support your success.

• Competitive Pay
• Overtime Opportunities
• Affordable Medical Coverage
• Company-Paid Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous PTO Program
• Paid Holidays
• Performance-Based Bonus Opportunities

Join a team that values innovation, excellence, and the people who make it all possible.

The Senior Business Development Manager is responsible for driving growth in the Company’s share of defense, government, OEM, and international aerospace and logistics opportunities. These will include leverages expertise in DoD acquisition processes to identify and capitalize opportunities, manage proposals, and administer contracts. The Senior Business Development Manager will represent the Company and its values and will ensure that the expectations of the Company’s customers are exceeded by performing the following: 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Identify and pursue direct and indirect business opportunities through USG domestic and/or international government channels and strategic partnerships with major OEMs (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Standard Aero).
2. Lead the development and submission of competitive proposals, ensuring clear articulation of solutions and compliance with relevant military specifications (MIL-SPECs). 
3. Incorporate Air Transportation SME input to validate operational feasibility and technical accuracy of proposed solutions.
4. Maintain accurate business development and sales data within the Company’s CRM system.
5. Conduct thorough market research and analysis of DoD/MoD logistics and aerospace requirements to support proposal and contract development. 
6. Utilize Air Transportation SME insights to identify key trends and emerging needs within the cargo aircraft and logistics domain.
7. Develop and execute contract strategies, including pricing discussions, timeline management, and deliverable definition.
8. Leverage Air Transportation SME knowledge to ensure contract terms align with operational realities and technical requirements.
9. Draft and review contractual provisions, ensuring compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations.
10. Serve as a subject matter expert during contract negotiations, advocating for the Company’s interests while meeting client needs. 
11. Utilize Air Transportation SME expertise to address technical and operational questions during negotiations.
12. Maintain effective communication with business partners and government clients, ensuring timely information exchange and issue resolution.
13. Prepare quotes for smaller opportunities and related equipment.
14. Contribute to website and social media updates, highlighting the Company’s capabilities and achievements. 
15. Ensure marketing materials accurately represent the Company’s expertise in air transportation solutions, potentially with SME contribution.
16. Coordinate travel and logistics for industry conferences and events. 
17. Facilitate SME participation in relevant conferences and events to enhance the Company’s technical credibility.

General Expectations: 

1. Written and verbal communication skills.

2. Analytical and problem-solving skills.

3. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

4. Experience within the defense and/or aerospace industry. 

5. Prior military service, particularly involving air mobility, cargo aircraft, logistics, or aviation operations. 

6. Experience supporting U.S. Government, foreign military, OEM, or commercial aerospace customers. 

7. Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and government acquisition processes is beneficial but not required. 

8. Existing relationships within the defense or aerospace community are a plus. 

9. Works well in a “team” environment. 

10. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Requirements

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in business or related program. MBA a plus. 

2. Minimum of 5 years of US government business development experience.

3. Computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite and CRM platforms.

4. Prior military, aerospace, aviation experience a plus.

Work Environment Requirements:

1. Full-Time Position.

Domestic travel and occasional international travel required.