Business Development Manager

Description

Due to significant growth, Brad Foote Gear Works is adding a Business Development Managerresponsible for new business high precision machining, high-quality gearing, and gearbox solutions for the defense industry. This position responsible for identifying, qualifying, and winning profitable growth opportunities within the U.S. defense industrial base. This role develops and executes a defense-focused growth strategy, builds relationships with primes and key subcontractors, leads the opportunity pipeline from early capture through contract award, and coordinates internal teams (engineering, estimating/quoting, quality, operations, and supply chain) to deliver compliant proposals and exceptional customer outcomes. This position will be remote out of a home office with travel up to 50% of the time to include 10%-15% at the main office/plant located in Cicero, IL.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Own and grow a defense-focused sales pipeline for heavy industrial gearing, gearboxes, and machined components (new build, retrofit, repair/refurbishment, and spares as applicable).
• Develop and execute account plans for defense primes, shipyards, depots, and tier suppliers, map stakeholders across engineering, supply chain, quality, contracts, and program management.
• Manage the proposal and RFQ/RFP response process in coordination with estimating/quoting, engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain; ensure assumptions, pricing, and lead times are accurate and competitive.
• Negotiate commercial terms (pricing, payment terms, lead times, warranty, and delivery) in alignment with company objectives and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain deep knowledge of defense acquisition channels and program flows (prime/sub, depot/arsenal, spares, sustainment) and monitor relevant market/competitor activity.
• Ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements relevant to defense business (e.g., flow-downs, quality requirements, and controlled data handling as applicable).
• Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for assigned defense customers; lead regular business reviews and coordinate cross-functional support to resolve issues and protect customer satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for assigned defense customers; lead regular business reviews and coordinate cross-functional support to resolve issues and protect customer satisfaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Academic/Experience/Credentials/Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Proven experience selling into the defense industry (e.g., defense primes, shipyards, depots/arsenals, or tier suppliers) with demonstrated wins and measurable revenue growth.
• Experience selling complex, engineered, made-to-order products and/or manufacturing services (e.g., industrial gearing, gearboxes, heavy machining, precision components, cast/forged/machined assemblies) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with defense contracting environments and compliance expectations (e.g., ITAR/EAR awareness, DFARS, controlled technical data handling, flow-down requirements).
• Experience with AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality systems and/or selling into highly regulated OEM environments is strongly preferred.
• Experience with CMMC 2.0 information security requirements.
• Established network within defense, aerospace, and maritime/shipbuilding markets strongly preferred.
• Experience negotiating long-term agreements, supplier contracts, and/or multi-year program awards.

Specialized Skills/Knowledge/Ability:

• Strong people leadership skills, with experience leading, coaching, and developing others (direct reports and/or dotted-line teams).
• Demonstrated ability to manage long-cycle pursuits and lead RFQ/RFP responses with cross-functional teams.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen (pricing, margin, deal structure, forecasting).
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively with executive, engineering, quality, supply chain, and program stakeholders.
• Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%.