Senior Business Development Manager, US Department of War

About the role

Planet is seeking a Business Development Manager focused on advancing the delivery of Planet’s solutions to solve high priority operational challenges at the US Combatant Commands in association with Military Service Elements and all procurement entities. This individual will lead execution of the entire business development lifecycle starting with the identification and understanding of critical operational needs, along with shaping of program requirements, budget, and procurement processes to ensure solutions are delivered to meet those warfighter needs.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify new business opportunities and pursue long-term strategic captures.
• Support acquisition activities such as RFIs, White Papers, Unsolicited Proposals, and RFPs while advocating for Planet capabilities to mission users within Defense organizations.
• Contribute to the identification, prioritization, and shaping of new business pursuits and the development and execution of capture strategies.
• Navigate complex relationships within a dynamic technology company with multiple priorities.
• Educate stakeholders on the broader context of opportunities and build the case for new product development.
• Leverage existing and develop new, trusted relationships with current and prospective Planet customers and industry partners within the Combatant Commands, the Joint Staff, and Military Services.
• Create a strategy and engagement plan to align Planet solutions to increase support for Department of Defense operations.
• Actively participate in relevant community forums, events, industry days, and other means to continually increase Planet’s understanding of the Customer’s missions, long-term visions and priorities, along with budgets and acquisition cycles to position Planet to earn new business and partnership opportunities.
• Build the long-term pipeline at Defense and Intelligence organizations through driving operational demand and identification of innovative ways to bring Planet solutions to the warfighter.
• Provide leadership and expertise in support of strategic planning, competitive intelligence, and market assessments.
• Partner collaboratively with USG Sales Director and Account Executives.
• Maintain close alignment with Government Affairs on policy shaping activities.
• Maintain close relationships with Business Development Managers across global regions to ensure consistent approaches where appropriate and coordinate engagements with multi-country Defense Alliances and Coalitions.
• Coordinate responses to RFIs and RFPs through bid decision to submission to ensure alignment to strategy.
• Collaborate with Proposal Managers and Product Leadership on product positioning and pricing.

Requirements

• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working directly within the US Department of Defense Combatant Commands, Service Elements, and/or the Intelligence Community as a civilian or military officer.
• Knowledge of, and experience working with, DoD Program Executive Offices and Portfolio Acquisition Executives, and associated requirement and budgetary entities.
• Ability and experience in communicating effectively with senior level civilian leadership and/or military flag officers.
• Experience forging mutually beneficial relationships with Defense and Intelligence organizations.
• Excellent communication (speaking and writing), presentation, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Achievements and relevant experience in the private and/or public sector in some combination of aerospace and remote sensing, data analytics, sales, business development, and military and intelligence roles.
• Excellent project, time, and budget management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively and independently in a dynamic environment with the ability to navigate unique challenges presented by its dynamic conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience working across multiple parts of the US National Security Community – DoD and IC, to include:
  • Serving in a role leading Operational support and execution functions, leveraging GEOINT, Data, Space, Intelligence, Airborne capabilities.
  • Working within a Combatant Command (J2, J3, J5, J8) or in an associated Service Element.
  • Active security clearance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution.
• Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off.
• 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
• Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Home Office Reimbursement.
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement.
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Equity.
• Commuter Benefits (if local to an office).
• Volunteering Paid Time Off.

Pay

The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is $132,960—$166,160 USD. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity). The final salary range is determined by job-related experience, skills, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. This role is eligible for commission.

Schedule

This is a full-time, hybrid role which requires working from the Washington, DC office 3 days per week.