Woodward, Inc

Senior Strategic Product Technology & Capture Manager

Woodward, Inc$114K — $182K *
Niles, IL 60714In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in aerospace product marketing or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a relevant technical field
  • Background in flight control actuation systems
  • Experience in hydraulic power management
  • Strong analytical and strategic planning skills
  • Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

  • Conduct in-depth market research to identify customer needs and competitive dynamics
  • Develop product positioning and messaging to differentiate offerings
  • Plan and execute integrated marketing campaigns to enhance market presence
  • Collaborate with product, sales, and other teams for aligned marketing strategies
  • Create proposals for new program opportunities at the product or system level
  • Coordinate successful new product launches

Benefits

  • Annual cash bonus opportunity for all members
  • 401(k) match at 4.5%
  • Annual stock contribution of 5%
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
  • 12 paid holidays including floating holidays
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance from day one
  • Generous vacation and sick leave policy
  • Paid parental leave and adoption assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program with mental health benefits
  • Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
  • Referral bonuses for member referrals
  • Voluntary benefits including insurance discounts and legal assistance
Full Job Description
The Senior Strategic Product Technology & Capture Manager will Lead strategic business development initiatives that drive growth in existing and emerging markets by combining deep technical expertise, market intelligence, product strategy, and capture leadership. Develop and execute market strategies, identify new business opportunities, shape technology investments, and lead pursuit activities from opportunity identification through proposal submission. Collaborate across engineering, product management, marketing, and executive leadership to position innovative solutions, strengthen customer relationships, and secure profitable growth in aerospace and adjacent markets. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of aerospace systems and a proven ability to lead technology-driven product development efforts in this highly specialized field. A robust technical foundation and hands-on experience in aerospace applications are essential for success in this role.

LEVEL II
  • Estimated annual base pay: $114,000 (minimum) - $148,000 (midpoint) - $182,000 (maximum)

LEVEL III
  • Estimated annual base pay: $132,000(minimum) - $171,000(midpoint) - $211,000(maximum)


All levels are eligible for the following benefits:
  • All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.
  • 401(k) match (4.5%)
  • Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
  • Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
  • 12 paid holidays
  • Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
  • Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
  • Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
  • Member referral bonus
  • Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
  • Voluntary benefits, including:
  • Home / Auto Insurance discounts
  • Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave


LEVEL II -Successful candidates typically have:
  • Strong Aerospace Experience
  • Engineering degree
  • 5+ years experience
  • Flight Control Actuation Background
  • Hydraulic systems experience


LEVEL III - Successful candidates typically have:
  • Strong Aerospace Experience
  • Engineering degree
  • 10+ years experience
  • Flight Control Actuation Background
  • Hydraulic systems experience
  • Proposal management and business capture experience is preferred.


Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute comprehensive business development, market growth, and product technology strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Assess market opportunities, customer needs, industry trends, and competitive landscapes to identify growth opportunities and support strategic decision-making.
  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships through demonstrated technical expertise, market insight, and trusted partnership.
  • Lead capture planning and pursuit efforts, including opportunity qualification, customer assessments, win strategies, competitive analysis, pricing strategies, and proposal development.
  • Develop system-level solutions and proposals for new programs, leveraging existing technologies and identifying opportunities for innovative technology development.
  • Craft compelling value propositions, messaging, and positioning strategies that clearly communicate differentiated customer value.
  • Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams to execute strategic pursuits, product launches, technology initiatives, and business growth programs.
  • Develop and communicate market intelligence, customer insights, competitive assessments, and strategic recommendations to leadership and pursuit teams.
  • Establish and cultivate industry partnerships, strategic alliances, and key stakeholder relationships to strengthen competitive positioning in aerospace and adjacent markets.
  • Collaborate with engineering and Chief Technology leadership to identify, evaluate, and prioritize research and development investments that align with future market opportunities.
  • Oversee proposal development activities, ensuring compliance, quality, and timely delivery of winning proposals.
  • Lead technical presentations, customer engagements, and executive reviews to communicate business strategies, solutions, and value propositions.
  • Identify and guide exploratory studies and strategic initiatives that may evolve into future business or technology opportunities.
  • Utilize data analytics and customer feedback to refine strategies, improve market positioning, and optimize business development effectiveness.


Key Skills & Competencies
  • Strategic Business Development - Identifying, qualifying, and capturing new business opportunities aligned with long-term growth objectives.
  • Strategic Thinking & Market Vision - Translating market trends, customer needs, and technology developments into actionable growth strategies.
  • Capture & Pursuit Management - Leading opportunity shaping, competitive positioning, and proposal development efforts.
  • Market & Competitive Intelligence - Evaluating market dynamics, customer priorities, and competitor activities to inform business decisions.
  • Customer Relationship Management - Building credibility and influence with customers through technical expertise and business acumen.
  • Technology Strategy & Innovation - Aligning technology investments and product roadmaps with future market requirements.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership - Influencing and coordinating diverse teams across engineering, marketing, sales, operations, and executive leadership.
  • Executive Communication - Presenting complex technical and business concepts clearly to customers, leadership, and stakeholders.
  • Partnership Development - Establishing strategic alliances and industry relationships that enhance business competitiveness.
  • Proposal & Program Leadership - Driving high-quality, compliant proposals and coordinating complex business pursuits.
  • Analytical Decision Making - Leveraging market data, customer insights, and business metrics to guide investment and growth decisions.
  • Project & Portfolio Management - Managing multiple initiatives simultaneously while maintaining alignment with strategic priorities.


Application window is anticipated to close 30 days from original posting date.

This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

About Woodward, Inc

Woodward, Inc. is an independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of control solutions for the aerospace and industrial markets. The company's innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, and motion control systems help customers offer cleaner, more reliable, and more efficient equipment. Woodward is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, and serves customers worldwide.
Learn more about Woodward, Inc
Size
7,200 employees
Market Cap
$5.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$228.5 million
Founded
1870
5 Year Trend
+2.6%
Revenue
$2.3 billion
NASDAQ

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