Business Development, Director - USMC / CUAS in at Kongsberg Protech Systems USA Corporation
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Job Description
KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.
Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.
KDA Inc. seeks an experienced Director of Business Development to support growth across our PROTECTOR family of systems in the US. This candidate will be expected to work closely with the other BD personnel supporting Land Systems in the US, as well as KDA in Norway for all current and future business to business and government customers in the US. Successful applicants must be aggressive and skillful at fostering / growing customer relationships, to include engagements at senior levels of the US military and, when required, Congressional offices. Understanding the US and global land vehicle markets, with particular emphasis on ground systems across the US Marine Corps and other branches within the Department of War, and associated weapon systems are imperative, as is maintaining close, seamless dialogue with our KDA counterparts in Norway to grow business both within the US and beyond.
This position will primarily focus on integration of KDA technology and capabilities onto existing and future Marine Corps, and other relevant defense organizations manned and unmanned ground vehicles. Major focus of effort with reside in working closely with OEM and Government customers at the Program Office / PAE level for Ground Vehicles. Will work closely with rest of Land Systems BD team to develop and grow KDA’s Counter UAS (CUAS) market position.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Reporting to the Director of Business Development and closely coordinating with the KDA (Norway) Vise President Director of Market and Sales, the applicant will lead, develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy to maximize efficient growth and profitability within the US within their assigned portfolio.
- Maintain strong relationships with all current, and prospective, US customers. Coordinate Quarterly Update / Status meetings with existing customers to maintain relationships and be the connectivity between program management in Norway and customer.
- Participate in relevant Program Management Reviews and Capture Team Reviews.
- Grow a strong base of relationships within the US Marine Corps, and other customer organizations as required. Elevate existing relationships with existing customer offices and develop / foster relationships with other offices to increase advocacy and integration of KDA capabilities / technologies.
- Support recurring Trade Show participation by ensuring participation in high payoff potential venues are ensuring KDA displays reflect evolving focus of existing or targeted customer base.
- Support international capture efforts, when required, through actions such as briefing Foreign Embassy staff based in the DC area on capabilities and program developments.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, commercial as well as military, to include strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and contract acquisitions.
- Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to inform strategic decisions and positioning.
- Forge and maintain strategic partnerships, alliances, and collaborations with key stakeholders, including military services, government agencies, industry partners, and suppliers.
- Sales and Revenue Growth: Drive sales initiatives and revenue growth by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, contracts, and programs.
- Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the successful execution of business development initiatives.
- Participate in full opportunity lifecycle process, from opportunity identification through proposal delivery and award.
- Work as part of the KDA Inc. Business Development team to identify areas of cross collaboration and provide inputs to the overarching KDA Inc. Strategic Plan.
- Maintain awareness and understanding of new technology development / platform development projects and manage communication of efforts to current /potential US customers and industry partners, as appropriate.
- A Self-starter with a hands-on attitude to work with a willingness to learn and develop.
- A team player who works well in dynamic teams and in matrix-style project organizations.
- Problem solver - identifying and resolving problems in production as they arise.
- Collaborative and collegiate attitude to work.
- A willingness to embrace KONGSBERG corporate values of collaboration, determination, reliability and innovation.
- A willingness to travel and undergo training when required - including internationally.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree, preferred.
- Advanced degree (MBA, MA, MSc) highly desired.
NUMBER OF YEARS AND TYPE OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development within the defense aerospace industry, with a focus on military systems and solutions
- Prior military – Prior US Army with vehicle and weapon system training and qualifications. Experience in integration and operation of platform-based weapon systems is ideal. Joint - service experience is preferred, especially in operational roles or system employment.
- Knowledge of and experience / understanding of the CUAS mission and government requirements highly desired
- Proven track record of in Capture Management that successfully resulted in winning large-scale pursuits / contracts (over $50M)
- Proven ability to build relationships at all levels of customer and business organizations, from Program level to Senior level (GO / FO, SES). Ability to engage with and coordinate messaging and coordination with Senior Government and Industry Partner organizations, building long-term client relationships
- Deep understanding of the defense market, particularly in US Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations programs and capabilities, and US government procurement processes (PPB&E), including current trends, technologies, and regulatory environment
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at all levels
- Ability to work individually and as part of a cross-cutting, multi-function team.
- Understanding of and experience in the use of business development and capture processes (e.g., Shipley, etc.)
OTHER POSITION CONSIDERATIONS:
- Preferred locations for this position are in or around Birmingham, Michigan or Washington DC Metro area. Remote in other locations may be considered for highly qualified candidates.
- Travel: Must have or able to obtain a US passport. Up to 50% travel - both domestically and internationally - expected. Candidates must be willing and able to travel to government and industry partner locations, participate in trade shows and conferences. Several trips to Norway can be expected per annum to participate in Management Reviews, Global Marketing Conferences, and to support emerging program needs.
- Must be able to work as part of a team; positive “can-do” attitude.
- Flexible in ability to change priorities to accomplish changing team/corporate deadlines and goals.
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position.
- To comply with U.S. national security policy, employee must be a U.S. Person as defined in 22CFR120.15 of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Specifically, a U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.
- Eligible for and ability to obtain a government SECRET clearance. Active SECRET or higher clearance preferred.
Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Protech Systems USA performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations.
In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently includes company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance and paid time off (PTO).
Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
Job Type: Full-time
Pre-employment Requirements:
KDA, Inc. requires all candidates to successfully complete a pre‑employment physical, drug and alcohol screening, and a background investigation as part of the hiring process.
Benefits:
- Health Insurance: Employer paid premiums, 100%
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent care Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k) matching
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Sick Time Off
- Flexible Schedule
Schedule:
980 schedule
Education:
Bachelor’s degree, desired.
Experience:
Prior military – 10 years of experience with various weapon systems, remote weapons stations / turrets.
Training:
6 months (+)
Work Location:
Remote