Business Development Director

About the role

This is more than a job; it is a chance to be part of a founding team. You will help establish processes, shape culture, and influence strategy, all while supported by an experienced international parent company that has already demonstrated sustainable success. For those who thrive in dynamic environments and want to leave a tangible mark, this is a unique opportunity to build with purpose.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate excellent organizational and communication skills and follow-through
• Communicate clearly and frequently with the CEO about activities, duties and developments
• Identify and create opportunities to originate and close upon Sodern America sales within the U.S. market
• Develop and execute annual and multi-year sales strategy aligned with company growth objectives
• Develop and manage sales forecasts
• Maintain relationships with Sodern’s existing U.S. customers
• Perform opportunity identification and lead generation
• Build relationships with customers and prospects
• Drive customer retention and expansion strategies
• Develop and implement processes supporting the full sales business cycle
• Lead CRM implementation and ensure effective adoption and utilization
• Develop and manage proposals involving coordination across necessary internal resources
• Manage complex commercial offers with the support of the Sodern France technical team
• Oversee the post-contract implementation process with the support of a Mission Manager who will report to you
• Participate in the follow-up of offers to achieve annual order intake targets
• Maintain performance tracking & reporting / KPI management
• Perform competitive intelligence (competition, market evaluation, etc.)
• Participate in trade shows and events
• Participate in the execution of the commercial roadmap for star trackers and space cameras
• Manage and develop the sales team
• Attend meetings in a timely manner and demonstrate consistent attendance
• Communicate clearly and frequently with Sodern France leadership about activities, duties and developments
• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Requirements

• Past business development / sales experience required; experience in aerospace and defense required
• Past management experience required
• Background in engineering preferred; knowledge of AOCS engineering in the space industry is an advantage
• Knowledge of star tracker system architecture and optronics is an advantage
• Post-sales implementation and support experience preferred
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills and experience interacting with contractors, buyers and customers
• Strong understanding of formal procurement processes and RFP response / proposal management
• Financial acumen including pricing models, margin analysis and contract structures
• Ability to synthesize technical and commercial information into compelling value propositions
• Proficiency in CRM systems and sales analytics tools
• Relationship building skills that inspire confidence, trust, collaboration, and respect with all stakeholders
• Strong leadership, coaching and performance management capabilities
• French language competency is an advantage

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of sales experience is required. Sales in aerospace and defense is strongly preferred
• A bachelor’s degree is required; engineering degree is preferred

Skills

• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills
• Strong understanding of formal procurement processes
• Financial acumen including pricing models, margin analysis and contract structures
• Ability to synthesize technical and commercial information
• Proficiency in CRM systems and sales analytics tools
• Strong leadership, coaching and performance management capabilities
• French language competency

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Basic life and disability coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Supplemental benefits
• Paid time off

Pay

Summary Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000 annually plus eligible for performance bonuses.

Schedule

The Company’s working environment is that associated with an entrepreneurial start up. This environment may expose the Business Development Director to stressful conditions with shifting goals and tight deadlines.

• At the beginning of the Company formation, while the Company builds out the office space, employees will work from home.

• When the office is built out, work will be generally performed in an indoor professional office environment in Englewood, CO.

• Domestic and International travel on behalf of the organization is required.

• While the Company strives to accomplish much of its work during typical working hours, this position and many other senior positions will require flexibility of scheduled work hours, including early morning, evening, and weekend hours for a variety of meetings and events.