Director, Business Development

Location: Philadelphia, PA

About the role

The Director, Business Development is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and leading new business opportunities across the U.S. naval market. This role supports key customer relationships & engagement and supports strategic market growth. The position supports the Senior VP, Shipbuilding Business Development to grow naval shipbuilding business and advance HDUSA Shipbuilding’s objectives. The ideal candidate brings strong insight into naval stakeholders, deep familiarity with DoW acquisition processes, and the ability to develop capture strategies that expand market presence and drive long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop naval opportunities promoting HDUSA Shipbuilding naval capabilities and commitment to the U.S. defense market in alignment with corporate strategy and policies.
• Grow the opportunity pipeline through diligent and timely identification and qualification of new naval business opportunities, including pre-RFP shaping and early engagement.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen key relationships across the U.S. Navy, broader U.S. Government, and strategic industry partners.
• Work cross functionally with (including Operations, Finance, Program Management, and Engineering) to ensure alignment on pursuits, proposals, and customer needs.
• Provide insight to leadership on emerging product development opportunities and market strategies.
• Drive the development, tracking, and execution of strategic initiatives and BD projects.
• Develop and execute capture strategies for approved pursuits, including win theme development, competitive assessment, teaming strategies, and customer engagement planning.
• Coordinate with Hanwha affiliates (e.g., Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Hanwha Systems, Hanwha Ocean) to align on joint opportunities, capabilities, and messaging.
• Evaluate potential M&A opportunities and support due diligence and analysis activities.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant Business Development experience.
• Experience leading major captures for Navy opportunities; experience with surface combatants or submarine programs desired.
• Experience with the U.S. Department of Defense acquisition and procurement processes.
• Strong understanding of the U.S. naval landscape and related acquisition pathways.
• Proven ability to build and maintain customer and partner relationships.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field desired. Equivalent experience in Navy capture accepted.

Skills

• Ability to interpret technical specifications and customer requirements.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, team‑oriented environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather, interpret, and present data clearly.