Business Development Director, Professional Services in at Kongsberg Protech Systems USA Corporation
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Job Description
Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. (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 in our Professional Services business in the US. This candidate will be the primary interface for KONGSBERG US for all Field Service Engineering, Training, and Support Service business in support of KONGSBERG OEM platforms and systems for US and FMS markets. Successful applicants must be aggressive and adroit at fostering / growing customer relationships, to include engagements both with Kongsberg’s Divisions in Norway and, with senior levels of the US military and Congressional offices. Understanding the US and global market is imperative, as is maintaining close, seamless dialogue with our KDA counterparts in Norway to grow business both within the US and beyond. Periodic visits and briefings to foreign diplomats or their Defense, Air, Army or Naval Attaches may also be required. This position will cover the entire portfolio of KONGSBERG technologies and capabilities, requiring the development and maintenance of relationships across the entire KONGSBERG enterprise.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Reporting to the Vice President for Business Development & Strategy, the applicant will lead, develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy to maximize efficient growth and profitability within the US.
- 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 division program management in Norway and customer.
- Manage relationship between KONGSBERG US, KONGSBERG AS and applicable Training Commands to ensure current operator/mission planner knowledge of specific weapon capabilities and most current CONOPs considerations are integrated into student curriculum.
- Participate in / facilitate (when necessary) relevant customer / capability Program Management Reviews.
- Grow a strong base of relationships within the Service maintenance, sustainment, and training customer base. Elevate existing relationships with existing customer offices and develop / foster relationships with other offices to increase advocacy and support for comprehensive lifecycle support requirements. Specific immediate needs include engaging with PAEs, Program Managers, TACOM, operational commands, and sustainment organizations to identify modernization priorities and future capability requirements.
- Manage and support customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, capability briefings and 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.
- Coordinate capture activities, proposal development, and strategic teaming efforts supporting competitive U.S. and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) pursuits
- 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, 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, as well as supporting retention and growth of existing programs.
- Develop and maintain a robust pipeline sufficient to meet / exceed assigned revenue targets.
- 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. Work closely with the product focused BD teammates to understand service requirements and integration of services into larger procurement / delivery contracts from the start.
- 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.
- Have an hands-on attitude to work with a willingness to learn and develop.
- Operate as a self-starter.
- Be a team player who works well in dynamic teams and in matrix-style project organizations.
- Act as a problem solver - identifying and resolving problems in production as they arise.
- Be 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.
CLEARANCE:
- Eligible for and ability to obtain a government SECRET clearance. Active SECRET or higher clearance preferred.
- 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.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree, desired.
- Advanced degree (MBA, MA, MSc), preferred.
NUMBER OF YEARS AND TYPE OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Minimum of 7+ years of highly relevant sustainment/acquisition/customer-growth/ business development experience within the defense aerospace industry, with a focus on support services for military systems and solutions. Government experience in platform or system services and training can be used in lieu of industry experience,
- Prior military or government experience supporting Remote Weapon Systems (RWS), tactical vehicle platforms, sustainment operations, lifecycle logistics, field support, or modernization programs is highly desired. Joint - service experience is preferred, especially in operational roles or mission system employment.
- Proven track record of in Capture Management that successfully resulted in winning large-scale pursuits / contracts (over $10M)
- Proven ability to build Senior level (GO / FO, SES) relationships. 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 weapons stations, missiles, aerospace and unmanned systems sectors, 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.
- Good communication abilities, both oral and written required.
- Use verbal information skills to transfer information to groups
- Prepare business documents, reports, opportunity presentations, RFI responses, and other B&P related correspondence for Senior Management, Customers, and Senior decision makers
- Comfortable and effective at communicating messages to all levels of the organization, from Senior Executives to Project Managers within their organization, and across functional entities.
- Leadership: Proven leader skills with a with a track record of managing and motivating high-performance teams under fluid, rapidly changing environments.
- 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.)
- Ability to understand market environment, be able to understand military requirements, apply critical thinking into complex problems, and reason recommended courses of action to leadership.
- Concentration/attentiveness, high level of record-keeping, high pressure for results, independent judgement and discretion.
OTHER POSITION CONSIDERATIONS:
- Job Type: Full Time
- Work Location: Ability to operate out of one of our KONGSBERG US facilities; Alexandria, VA, Birmingham, MI, or Huntsville, AL, preferred. Remote operation 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Training time: 3+ Months
BENEFITS:
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Flexible schedule
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.