The Business Development Manager, International is responsible for driving growth within the company’s international markets. This role focuses on identifying, qualifying, and securing new business opportunities by building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with international clients. This BDM will actively seek out new customers, develop strategies to expand the customer base, and work to increase sales within the International Business Unit on a continual basis.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:
Maximize new business opportunities within the International Business Unit.
Identify, establish, and maintain relationships with international customers and organizations that may require Airborne Systems products, both current and future. Contacts may include end users, procurement personnel, high-ranking officials, and government agencies.
Lead contract discussions with customers and coordinate internal support across departments to ensure successful negotiations.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of each account, including key contacts, current and future product needs, and procurement processes.
Collect and analyze intelligence on customers and competitors to support business development efforts.
Monitor industry trends and activities to support product line growth and customer expansion.
Collaborate with the Product Development Team to help prioritize product enhancements and business opportunities.
Determine requirements for in-country support and coordinate international business development activities accordingly.
Proactively develop strategies and tactics for upcoming opportunities within the assigned territories.
Maintain and update detailed account plans.
Submit formal monthly reports on all activities within assigned territories and provide accurate sales forecasts.
Analyze technical and contractual requirements; draft and submit technical and financial proposals.
Recommend and optimize value-based pricing strategies for Airborne Systems products.
Ensure customer inquiries, particularly technical questions, are addressed promptly and accurately.
Educate customers on new products, technologies, and developments.
Provide feedback from customers to support the development of new or enhanced military products.
Offer strategic input to support Airborne Systems’ product development roadmap.
Organize and facilitate product demonstrations for customers as needed.
Maintain and grow a robust customer pipeline using Salesforce.
Regularly meet with the International Business Unit Manager (BUM) to share updates on upcoming projects, customer changes, and product opportunities.
Communicate customer satisfaction levels and relay any complaints or issues to the International BUM.
Represent Airborne Systems at trade shows, industry events, and customer demonstrations as required.
Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
Follows company rules and procedures.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
5+ years experience in the related area (sales, business development or design engineering) within the aerospace and defense market or disciplined manufacturing environment.
Prior military service preferred including jump status qualifications.
Qualifications:
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively engage both internal and external stakeholders, in person and via phone or virtual platforms.
Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a strategic mindset and initiative-driven approach.
Experience in writing proposals and preparing detailed activity reports.
Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 50%, sometimes for extended periods.
Skilled in organizing and managing customer visits, including planning, coordination, and delivering presentations.
Solid understanding of international military markets and related procurement environments.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently to develop existing accounts and generate new business opportunities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and familiar with internet-based research and communication tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and persuasively present ideas and respond to questions in both individual and group settings.
Strong command of business English, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Comfortable communicating across all levels of an organization, from staff to senior management.
Able to interact effectively and professionally with a diverse range of clients and colleagues.
Exercises diplomacy and professionalism under pressure, demonstrates accountability, and reliably follows through on commitments.
Skilled in managing complex or sensitive customer interactions with empathy and responsiveness.
Collects and analyzes feedback to improve service and proactively addresses issues through well-developed problem-solving techniques.
Previous experience in the parachute industry or a related field is highly preferred.
Understands the business impact of decisions, demonstrates commercial awareness, and aligns actions with broader strategic goals and profitability objectives.
Training Requirements:
NA
Travel Requirements:
Periodic travel between sites may be required to support project functions and meetings.
ITAR Requirements:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Physical Demands: (*)
The position requires that the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, and kneel. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment: (*)
This position will require a working environment mix comprised of office, shop floor, field and customer locations (both domestic and international). While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to static electricity; explosives in test conditions; fumes; airborne particles; outside weather conditions prevalent at the time and an air-conditioned and heated office. The noise level is normally moderate may be occasionally high.
*Note: Both the Physical Demand and Work Environment sections are required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
Airborne Systems is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Salary: $118K-$140K Annual
