Business Development Leader

Position Summary
The
Business Development Leader
will develop and execute a strategic and tactical sales plan in the areas of both composite and metal bond new manufacturing and repair in the aerospace industry (commercial and defense). The successful sales executive in this role is an excellent collaborator who enjoys travel and understands that there is no substitution for personal interactions and relationships and making contacts at the decision-maker level. The person who assumes this position will fulfill their development goals through drive, product knowledge (manufacturing processes, technical tooling), industry knowledge, and a dedication to customer satisfaction. This person must be as comfortable giving a professional presentation in a multi-national company's boardroom as speaking to a mechanic on the shop floor of a small, family-owned aerospace company.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Spend 50% or more of time for travel (includes some international travel)
• Generate business opportunities with new and current customer base, with a focus on long term, contiguous production work statements
• Generate a constant flow of RFQs/RFPs for the sales pipeline
• Support estimating activities with customer follow-up for in-process and submitted quotes and proposals
• Establish a three-year strategic and tactical plan/forecast for sales goals, with year over year growth
• Establish long-term strategic relationships with our customers (from buyers to the decision makers)
• Develop customer specific PowerPoint presentations and marketing materials (work closely with program and business development personnel)
• Develop Capture Plans for strategic/target programs, part numbers and customers
• Represents Helicomb at trade association meetings to promote products and services
• Lead the sales process, including collaborative work with multiple departments, to successfully focus on core competency programs/parts. Provides inputs for market or target pricing when available.
• Keep current on industry intel, new programs, customer news, new technology, new requirements, aircraft platform rates, etc.
• Maintain Trip Log, Customer Contact Lists/CRM, and Action Items for follow-up
• Has the ability to discuss customer's contractual terms and conditions with site personnel, corporate and/or the customer.
• Has the ability to handle customer meetings and answer technical questions related to manufacturing processes, major equipment, tooling, our qualifications, certifications, contract requirements, our software systems (ERP, CAD, etc.)
• Support Proposal write-ups (Executive Summary, Cost Volume, Management Volume, Technical Volume)
• Support activities for customer awards (contract review, etc.)
• Actively works with the customer and Helicomb team to manage customer complaints, returns, warranties, NOEs, etc.
• Actively support and participate in CI, 6S, safety, management of change, and trade compliance activities
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills – strong relationship builder and demonstrated ability to collaborate with all levels of the organization, from hourly employees to top management.
• Strong presentation skills - effectively present information to customers or top management
• Strong technical or operational knowledge of aerostructure's manufacturing processes, major equipment, materials, tool strings, bill of materials, parts list, tool, 2D drawings,
• Strong computer skills, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ERP System, Customer Portals
• Ability to work with a diverse customer base (OEMs, Tier I, II, DoD, MRO/Repair, Fleet Operators, Distributors, Service Centers, etc.)
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, mastery of the English language required for understanding of contracting and protocol
• Work equally well both independently and as a collaborative teammate
• Able to effectively respond to common inquiries or complaints from internal or external customers
• Candidate must be organized, able to multi-task, track and coordinate the efforts of others and has good time management skills
• Ability to work in a team environment in a fast-paced manufacturing plant
• Capable of understanding the technical nuances of the key product lines
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, communication, organizational, problem solving, and process improvement skills

Experience & Education

• Minimum of high school degree required. Bachelor's degree preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of sales experience. Ideal candidate will have 10-plus years of sales experience in the aerospace manufacturing industry and have strong technical knowledge of both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft
• Familiarity with government and industry regulations and portals a plus (FARs, DFARs, FAA, SAM, JCP, etc.)

Location Profile:
Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Helicomb International is a leading Tier II Supplier specializing in the manufacturing and repair of composite and metal bonded parts, sub-assemblies and assemblies for the global aerospace and defense industries.