Business Development Manager

Destinus

$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Proven business development experience in defense, aerospace, or unmanned systems.
  • Strong grasp of the US defense ecosystem and procurement processes.
  • Established relationships with military, government, and industry stakeholders.
  • Ability to advance opportunities from initial engagement to commercial outcomes.
  • Familiarity with RFIs, RFPs, tenders, and proposals in government contracting.
  • Effective communicator with a deep understanding of complex technical products.
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; experience can supplement educational requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Identify and develop business opportunities within US defense and government sectors.
  • Build and maintain relationships with government agencies and defense organizations.
  • Create and execute strategies that enhance Destinus' market presence.
  • Manage opportunities from market engagement to contract award.
  • Coordinate responses to government programs, tenders, and procurement opportunities.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to deliver compelling solutions.
  • Represent Destinus at industry events and strategic engagements.
  • Form partnerships with US entities to enhance market access.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work at the forefront of aerospace technology.
  • Engagement in high-impact projects affecting national defense.
  • Access to a dynamic and supportive team environment.
  • Chance to travel domestically and internationally for business.
Full Job Description
About the Role

Imagine this. You are at the center of Destinus' expansion in one of the world's most important defense markets, building relationships, identifying strategic opportunities, and turning advanced aerospace technology into real programs and partnerships. As our Business Development Manager US, you will help grow Destinus' presence across the United States, working closely with government stakeholders, defense organizations, industry partners, and our internal technical and commercial teams.

What You'll Do
  • Identify, develop, and manage business opportunities across the US defense and government markets, with a strong focus on unmanned aerial systems and advanced aerospace technologies.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with relevant government agencies, defense organizations, military stakeholders, prime contractors, strategic partners, and industry players.
  • Develop and execute business development strategies that strengthen Destinus' position and generate sustainable opportunities in the US market.
  • Own opportunities throughout the business development lifecycle, from early market engagement and qualification through proposal development, negotiation, and contract award.
  • Identify relevant government programs, tenders, RFIs, RFPs, and other procurement opportunities and coordinate Destinus' response with internal stakeholders.
  • Work closely with engineering, product, operations, legal, finance, and leadership teams to translate customer requirements into compelling technical and commercial solutions.
  • Represent Destinus at industry events, conferences, customer meetings, demonstrations, and strategic engagements across the United States.
  • Develop partnerships with US companies and organizations that can strengthen Destinus' capabilities, market access, and competitive position.
  • Maintain a clear view of the US defense landscape, including customer priorities, procurement developments, competitor activity, and emerging market opportunities.
  • Provide accurate pipeline visibility, opportunity assessments, and commercial insights to support strategic decision-making.
  • Support negotiations and the development of commercial agreements while ensuring alignment with internal compliance and approval processes.
  • Be ready to travel regularly across the United States and internationally when required.

Requirements
What You'll Need
  • Proven experience in business development, sales, capture management, government relations, or a related commercial role within defense, aerospace, unmanned systems, or another relevant technology sector.
  • Strong understanding of the US defense ecosystem and government procurement environment.
  • Experience developing relationships with government, military, defense industry, or prime contractor stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities and move them from initial engagement toward concrete commercial outcomes.
  • Experience working with RFIs, RFPs, tenders, proposals, or government contracting processes.
  • Ability to understand complex technical products and communicate their operational and commercial value to different audiences.
  • Strong negotiation, presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Commercial mindset with the ability to operate independently and prioritize opportunities based on strategic value.
  • Comfortable working across technical, commercial, and executive teams in an international organization.
  • Professional fluency in English.
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, International Relations, Aerospace, Defense Studies, or a related field. Relevant professional experience may also be considered.
  • Existing relationships within the US defense and aerospace ecosystem are highly valued.
Who You Are

You thrive in fast-moving environments where technology, strategy, and commercial opportunities come together. You are proactive, commercially driven, and comfortable building relationships with demanding stakeholders. You take ownership, communicate with confidence, and know how to turn complex opportunities into concrete business outcomes.

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