Vice President, Operations

Mistral, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ondas, a team of defense companies. Mistral has the mission of "Bridging" operational gaps in the Defense and Law Enforcement markets with practical, innovative, and high readiness solutions. Mistral is seeking a seasoned Vice President, Ground Operations to support the securing and execution of multiple defense contracts. This is a full-time, on-site position at our Bethesda, MD headquarters reporting to the Senior Vice President, Business Development. Key Responsibilities Business Development & Growth Strategy Lead business development efforts for Mistral’s Gound activities across defense and related markets Identify, qualify, and pursue new opportunities in robotics, UGVs, TWV, mortars systems, ground weapon systems, ground soldiers’ capabilities enhancements, and related capabilities Identify relevant operational gaps for ground troops within the DoD and try to bridge with system solutions Ensure all activities are aligned with the company’s vision and mission, and more specifically with the company’s yearly business plan, goals, and KPIs Pipeline & Proposal Management Own and manage the Ground opportunity pipeline from identification through award Ensure high-quality, compliant, and competitive proposal development and submission Coordinate cross-functional inputs (engineering, program management, finance, contracts) to meet proposal deadlines Drive win strategies, pricing alignment, and customer-focused solutions Program & Timeline Oversight Ensure alignment between business development efforts and program execution timelines Coordinate with program managers and technical teams to support successful contract execution Monitor milestones and deliverables to ensure commitments made during capture are achievable and met Leadership & Team Oversight Oversee personnel supporting Ground business development initiatives, including capture managers and proposal contributors Provide direction, mentorship, and performance oversight to ensure execution excellence Foster accountability and alignment across cross-functional teams Marketing & Industry Engagement Represent Mistral’s Ground activities at trade shows, industry events, and customer briefings Support development of marketing materials, capability briefings, and product positioning Maintain awareness of market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred 10+ years of experience in business development, capture management, or related roles within defense, aerospace, or robotics sectors Demonstrated success winning and growing programs within DoD or related markets Experience with ground systems, robotics, UGVs, or related defense platforms strongly preferred Strong understanding of federal contracting, proposal processes, and acquisition lifecycle Proven ability to manage complex pursuits and meet tight proposal timelines Experience working with cross-functional teams in engineering, operations, and program management #J-18808-Ljbffr