SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - CIVIL & COMMERCIALBased at Rocket Lab's site in Tucson, AZ, as the
Senior Director, Business Development, you will drive Rocket Lab's growth in the satellite market. You will work with a range of customers, but primarily focused on civil and commercial opportunities such as government civil space agencies, research institutions, Earth observation, and technology companies. Your role will involve identifying and engaging with potential clients, developing strategic partnerships, and leading efforts to secure contracts that expand our market share in this rapidly growing sector.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:- Lead business development initiatives focused on satellite solutions for civil and commercial applications
- Develop and execute capture strategies for securing large commercial or civil space contracts,
- Engage with key customer stakeholders to build and maintain long-term relationships, ensuring Rocket Lab's solutions align with their evolving needs
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare and deliver compelling proposals that meet customer requirements and win new business
- Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform and adapt our business development strategies
- Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional business opportunities
- Create new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab's capabilities/experience to provide satellite solutions - including bus offerings and complete satellites to meet mission requirements
- Lead and/or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new business
- Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, including coordinating with stakeholders
- Represent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings
- Travel as needed for business opportunities
- Other duties as assigned or required
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 15+ years of experience in business development, program management, or systems engineering within the aerospace sector
- In-depth knowledge of commercial acquisition processes, government contracting, and the commercial space landscape
- Proven track record of securing large (>$20M) contracts and managing strategic relationships within the aerospace industry
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Ability to support frequent domestic and international travel (up to 50%) to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support capture efforts
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:- Master's degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business
- Specialization in civil and commercial business development
- Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management and/or engineering of satellite systems, payloads, or platforms
- Extensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial space satellite programs
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
- Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically dispersed teams on fast-paced projects
- Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project
- General knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirements
- Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Experience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals
- Experience working with subject matter experts to collect and create compelling proposal content and detailed responses
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
