Business Development Director

Job SummaryAmerican Rheinmetall (AR) is actively seeking a team-oriented Business Development and Strategy professional with excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ideal candidate will take a lead role in contributing to the growth of ARV in the United States. This position will support the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy of AR in building a robust pipeline of opportunities, informing product development strategies, and securing new business for AR in the United States for 70% of the time. The remaining 30% will support American Rheinmetall program needs and the Electronic Solutions business. This is a position with duty in the Michigan area.Essential FunctionsBuild and maintain strong customer contacts and relationships to understand customer needs and requirements, shape requirements in a favourable fashion, and advocate solutions Rheinmetall can deliver; prepare and effectively present briefings to the customer as necessary.Develop business cases with expected program costs and schedules for business opportunities, including necessary investments.Identify strategic partners or industry groups to form teaming arrangements or partnerships in the pursuit of new business opportunities.Provide US customer and market insights into the product development cycle.Coordinate and align with team members on proposal/bid strategies.Support multi-disciplinary teams in business capture and proposal efforts (proposal planning, preparation and submittal).Regularly interface with customers to market products and capabilities.Represent and market products at industry trade shows and conferences.Support the development of advertising and promotion concepts for products.Where appropriate, support business development efforts related to other Rheinmetall technology segments including vehicle systems and weapons and ammunition.Lead the development and presentation of assigned pursuits at Gate Reviews.Prepare and effectively present customer briefings.Work with customers to understand needs and requirements, and then identify and qualify new business opportunities; inform company stakeholders of those opportunities.Lead multi-disciplinary teams in business capture and support proposal efforts.Support all aspects of proposal planning, preparation, and submittal efforts.Develop and maintain an integrated business plan in coordination with other AR and greater Rheinmetall team members.Support Program and Engineering teams in developing key program relationships.Provide customer/market insight into the product development cycle.Undertake other duties as determined by the Vice President for BD & Strategy.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNone.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAbility to travel up to 25%, including short notice travel, and travel abroad mainly to Germany.Expert knowledge of defense procurement practices and the DoD acquisition cycle.Practical ‘hands on’ attitude with the ability to operate independently.Currently holds or has the ability to obtain SECRET US Defense clearance.Detailed knowledge of Military Standards and regulations.Excellent communication skills across all levels of management and staff; superior consultation, diplomacy, influencing and negotiating skills.Enthusiastic engagement with and support of overseas colleagues.Promotion of collaboration, teamwork, integrity, honesty, and respect for others.Exceptional listening and analytical skills to understand customer concerns and needs.Ability to motivate individuals and teams to achieve high performance; clarify and define goals and strategies.EducationBachelor Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience; Master’s preferred.15 years of relevant military experience may be used in lieu of a Bachelor Degree.ExperienceExpert knowledge in US DoD ground vehicle requirements.5+ years or more of business development experience serving DoD customers, or commensurate experience in industry or military with targeted customers.Capture planning experience including opportunity generation/validation, bid/no bid assessments, competitive assessments, and colour‑team reviews.Experience in organizing and preparing winning proposals.Customer experience with existing contacts in relevant/comparable markets.Previous experience and relationships with U.S. Army organizations at the Pentagon, PAE (PEO), Requirements, and operational units.Experience working in a multi‑national, multi‑organisational environment.Experience with engineering and supply chain management in a highly regulated industry.Background PrerequisitesMust undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.Preferred QualificationsAbility to speak German desired but not required.Working Conditions and Physical DemandsWith or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. Physical demands include:Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.Ability to stand for long periods at trade shows and marketing events. #J-18808-Ljbffr