Director of Business Development

Base Pay Range $90,000.00/yr - $100,000.00/yr Company Overview Our client, based in St. Michael, Minnesota, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of ultra-high pressure waterjet cutting systems. Since 1984, they have specialized in building the most durable and precise waterjet solutions for mission-critical applications. Unlike competitors, our client designs and manufactures both pumps and motion systems in-house, offering unmatched reliability and integration. Their customers span the aerospace & defense, metals distribution, automotive, medical, marine, construction, and industrial manufacturing sectors. With a reputation for 24/7/365 operation, best-in-class after-sales support, and industry-leading reliability, our client is entering an exciting new phase of growth with a sharpened vertical focus and ambitious market expansion. Core Values Think Yes First – seeing problems as opportunities to create value. Strive Together to Achieve Excellence – collaborating as a team to solve complex challenges. Continuously Inventive – adapting to evolving markets and customer needs. Dedicated to Customer Success – measuring success by customers’ long-term results. Position Overview The Director of Business Development for Aerospace & Defense will be a strategic individual contributor for a defined vertical market, accountable for building our client’s presence, expanding market share, and driving enterprise sales. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on execution: setting direction for the vertical, identifying opportunities for growth, and managing the full sales cycle with support from a dedicated technical team. One of our client’s primary focus verticals is Aerospace & Defense (commercial and defense aerospace, marine, and military/defense applications). In these demanding industries, their durable system design, precision High Rail platform, and exceptional after‑sales service have earned strong customer loyalty. The Director of Business Development will leverage this value proposition to meet vertical‑specific needs, build executive‑level relationships, and deliver measurable growth. Responsibilities Cultivate long‑term relationships with decision‑makers across target verticals Act as a trusted advisor by understanding customer challenges and presenting tailored solutions Represent our client at trade shows, conferences, and industry events Develop and execute vertical‑specific growth strategies Prioritize and pursue high‑potential prospects with tailored pursuit plans Lead consultative sales engagements, demos, solution design, and ROI discussions Manage pipeline, forecasting, and reporting through CRM tools Partner with application engineers, marketing, and product experts to deliver solutions Collaborate with marketing on campaigns and vertical‑specific initiatives Skills, Qualifications & Key Competencies Must‑Have 10+ years of enterprise sales or business development experience in capital equipment, industrial technology, or manufacturing solutions Bachelor’s degree (Business, Engineering, or related field) or equivalent experience Proven track record of vertical market presence and revenue growth in demanding industries Deep industry expertise and established relationships within target verticals Strategic market analysis and vertical growth planning Value‑based and consultative selling – able to connect our client’s differentiators (durability, precision, reliability, after‑sales support) to customer ROI Executive‑level relationship building and trusted advisor influence Contract negotiation and deal structuring expertise Disciplined pipeline management and forecasting with CRM tools Strong technical acumen to credibly communicate product differentiators Willingness to travel nationally up to 50% Resilient, persistent, and results‑driven mindset High integrity and professional credibility Preferred Strong industry presence through networking, trade shows, and associations Experience selling into highly regulated industries Innovative and adaptable approach to changing market conditions Customer‑success orientation beyond the initial sale Base salary with performance‑based incentives (commission/bonus) Professional development opportunities and direct engagement with executive leadership Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Business Development Industries Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr Strategic Talent Partners