Business Development Director

Director, Business Development

American Rheinmetall (AR) is actively seeking a team-oriented Business Development and Strategy professional with excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ideal candidate will take a lead role in contributing to the growth of ARV in the United States.

This position will support the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy of AR in building a robust pipeline of opportunities, informing product development strategies, and securing new business for AR in the United States for 70% of the time. The remaining 30% will support American Rheinmetall program needs and the Electronic Solutions business.

This is a position with duty in the Michigan area.

Essential Functions :

• Build and maintain strong customer contacts and relationships to understand customer needs and requirements, shape requirements in a favorable fashion and to advocate solutions Rheinmetall can deliver; prepare and effectively present briefings to the customer as necessary
• Develop business cases with expected program costs and schedules for business opportunities to include necessary investments
• Identify strategic partners or industry groups to form teaming arrangements or partnerships in the pursuit of new business opportunities
• Provide US customer & market insights into the product development cycle
• Coordinate and align with team members on proposal / bid strategies
• Support multi-disciplinary teams in business capture and proposal efforts (proposal planning, preparation and submittal efforts)
• Regularly interface with customers to market products and capabilities
• Represent and market products at industry trade shows and conferences
• Support the development of advertising and promotion concepts for products
• Where appropriate, support business development efforts related to other Rheinmetall technology segments including vehicle systems and weapons and ammunition
• Other duties as assigned

Lead the development and presentation of assigned pursuits at Gate Reviews

Prepare and effectively present customer briefings

Work with customers to understand needs and requirements, and then identify and qualify new business opportunities; inform company stakeholders of those opportunities

Lead multi-disciplinary teams in business capture and support proposal efforts

Coordinate with team members on Proposal / Bid strategies

Support all aspects of proposal planning, preparation, and submittal efforts

Develop and maintain an integrated business plan in coordination with other AR and greater Rheinmetall team members

Support Program and Engineering teams in developing key program relationships

Represent and market products at industry trade shows and conferences

Support the development of advertising and promotional concepts for products

Provide customer / market insight into the product development cycle

Undertake other duties as determined by the Vice President for BD & Strategy

Supervisory Responsibilities :

None

Minimum Qualifications :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and / or testing)

Ability to travel up to 25%, including short notice travel, and travel abroad mainly to Germany

Expert knowledge of defense procurement practices and the DoD acquisition cycle

Practical 'hands on' attitude with the ability to operate independently

Currently holds or has the ability to obtain SECRET US Defense clearance.

Detailed knowledge of Military Standards and regulations

Must be able to communicate effectively in a variety of settings and be able to assimilate complex instructions easily. Ability to communicate with all levels of management and staff to establish productive relationships. Superior consultation, diplomacy, influencing and negotiating skills is required. Must possess the ability to explain complex concepts in a way that makes sense to someone less knowledgeable about the topic.

Must demonstrate an enthusiasm to engage with and support overseas colleagues to ensure all staff have the information and opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities.

Must promote collaboration and facilitate teamwork across the organization and its external service providers. Must be tactful, diplomatic, and work with integrity, honesty, and respect for others.

Must display exceptional listening and analytical skills in order to understand customer concerns and needs with the ability to respond promptly and effectively to those needs.

Shall support and encourage performance by motivating individuals and teams to achieve high performance. Will clarify and define the goals and strategies of the organization and successfully communicate this to all. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to work effectively with the US team, suppliers, customer, and corporate parent staff.

Education :

Bachelor Degree (BA / BS) or equivalent experience, Masters preferred

15 years of relevant military experience may be used in lieu of Bachelor Degree.

Experience :

Expert knowledge in US DoD ground vehicle requirements

5+ years or more of business development experience serving DoD customers, or commensurate experience in industry or military with targeted customers

Capture planning experience including opportunity generation / validation, bid / no bid assessments, competitive assessments, and color team reviews

Experience in organizing and preparing winning proposals

Customer experience with existing contacts in relevant / comparable markets

Previous experience and relationships with U.S. Army organizations at the Pentagon, PAE (PEO), Requirements, and operational units.

Experience working in a multi-national, multi-organizational environment

Experience with engineering and supply chain management in a highly regulated industry

Background Prerequisites :

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.

Preferred Qualifications :

Ability to speak German desired but not required

Working Conditions and Physical Demands :

With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include :

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

Ability to stand for long periods at trade shows and marketing events