Director, Business Development

At Paligen Technologies, our drive for success is strengthened knowing each of us supports the U.S. warfighter and modernizes the U.S. defense industrial base. We support each team member with a comprehensive benefits package that fosters growth and well-being. Medical, dental and vision plans 401k with company matching Paid time off Holidays 01. Our Vision To transform industry through innovation in manufacturing and engineering solutions. Open Positions Position: Director, Business Development Location: Garland, TX Job Id: 254 # of Openings: 0 Job Title: Director, Business Development Job Family: Business Development – Defense Division Reports To : General Manager Location: Garland, TX (on – site) Position Overview: Paligen Technologies is seeking a highly motivated and results oriented person for the position of Director, Business Development. This position will lead strategic growth efforts across defense markets, international customers, and key allied nations by driving business expansion, identifying new opportunities, and building relationships with key customers and internal stakeholders. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the entire business development process, from prospecting to contract execution, with a particular focus on high-value contracts ($100M+) and strategic partnerships. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Planning & Market Analysis: Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy to support the defense and aerospace sectors. Conduct detailed market research to identify emerging trends, technologies, and potential opportunities for growth. Analyze competitor offerings and customers’ needs to refine the company’s value proposition. Identify and qualify new international market opportunities, working closely with internal stakeholders including engineering, programs, legal, and finance. Client & Partner Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, defense contractors, aerospace firms, and key industry players. Act as key focal point with customers regarding ongoing program performance and provide Program Management team with timely analysis of such performance and necessary course correction advice as required. Represent the company at trade shows, industry conferences, and customer meetings. Negotiate and manage strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and subcontract agreements. Navigate foreign military sales (FMS), direct commercial sales (DCS), and offset/industrial participation requirements. Ensure compliance with U.S. export regulations (ITAR/EAR) and host country regulations in coordination with the trade compliance team. Opportunity Identification & Proposal Development: Identify and track new business opportunities across the defense and aerospace markets, including sources‑sought notices, requests for information/proposals, government contracts, procurement, and commercial projects. Lead cross‑functional teams to develop competitive proposals, ensuring alignment with client needs and compliance with Paligen Technologies' strategic plan and relevant regulations. Collaborate with internal team in proposal preparation, including cost estimation, compliance, strategic market positioning, SWOT analysis and presentation. Contract Negotiation & Management: Work collaboratively with Defense Leadership in support of the negotiation of contract terms and pricing structures to secure favorable agreements. Ensure that all business development activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements, particularly those related to government contracting and export controls. Revenue Growth & Profitability: Work with Defense and Business Development Leadership to establish and achieve growth targets for new business, focusing on expanding the company’s footprint in defense and aerospace in accordance with the strategic plan. Collaborate with internal teams (engineering, operations, finance) to ensure successful program execution and delivery on commitments. Support the Program Management team to achieve financial performance targets of awarded contracts and adjust strategies to meet revenue and profit goals as necessary. Manage other business development professionals, providing mentorship, training, and performance evaluations as needed. Work closely with marketing, product development, and technical teams to ensure alignment between sales efforts and company capabilities. Foster a collaborative and results‑driven environment. Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or a related field (master’s preferred). Experience: Minimum of 8‑10 years of business development experience, including a capture leadership role in the defense, aerospace, or related sectors. Proven track record of securing and managing large‑scale government and/or commercial contracts. Strong knowledge of the defense and aerospace industry, including procurement processes, US Government budgeting/funding, compliance standards, and market dynamics (US and International). Skills & Abilities: Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, verbal and written. Excellent understanding of defense and aerospace regulations, including ITAR, FAR, and DFARS. Ability to assess market trends and adapt business strategies accordingly. Proficiency with CRM systems, GOVWIN, SAMS, project management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. Acts with integrity, works collaboratively. Strong critical thinking skills, proficient with gathering intel, can identify or disqualify opportunities, and excellent at customer engagement. Understands the psychology of the “why and how” customers buy. Demonstrated capacity to learn and adapt to new markets, trends, and technologies. Other Requirements: Travel: 50% Willingness to travel as required, both domestically and internationally, to meet customers and attend industry events. Work Environment: Office work environment Background Investigation / Drug Screen / US person: Required. Paligen Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, placing value on a diverse and inclusive environment. All hiring decisions are based exclusively on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr