Business Development Manager

Due to significant growth, Brad Foote Gear Works is adding a Business Development Manager responsible for new business high precision machining, high-quality gearing, and gearbox solutions for thedefenseindustry. This position responsible for identifying, qualifying, and winning profitable growth opportunities within the U.S. defense industrial base. This role develops and executes a defense-focused growth strategy, builds relationships with primes and key subcontractors, leads the opportunity pipeline from early capture through contract award, and coordinates internal teams (engineering, estimating/quoting, quality, operations, and supply chain) to deliver compliant proposals and exceptional customer outcomes. This position will be remote out of a home office with travel up to 50% of the time to include 10%-15% at the main office/plant located in Cicero, IL.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Own and grow a defense-focused sales pipeline for heavy industrial gearing, gearboxes, and machined components (new build, retrofit, repair/refurbishment, and spares as applicable).
• Develop and execute account plans for defense primes, shipyards, depots, and tier suppliers, map stakeholders across engineering, supply chain, quality, contracts, and program management.
• Manage the proposal and RFQ/RFP response process in coordination with estimating/quoting, engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain; ensure assumptions, pricing, and lead times are accurate and competitive.
• Negotiate commercial terms (pricing, payment terms, lead times, warranty, and delivery) in alignment with company objectives and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain deep knowledge of defense acquisition channels and program flows (prime/sub, depot/arsenal, spares, sustainment) and monitor relevant market/competitor activity.
• Ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements relevant to defense business (e.g., flow-downs, quality requirements, and controlled data handling as applicable).
• Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for assigned defense customers; lead regular business reviews and coordinate cross-functional support to resolve issues and protect customer satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for assigned defense customers; lead regular business reviews and coordinate cross-functional support to resolve issues and protect customer satisfaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Academic/Experience/Credentials/Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Proven experience selling into the defense industry (e.g., defense primes, shipyards, depots/arsenals, or tier suppliers) with demonstrated wins and measurable revenue growth.
• Experience selling complex, engineered, made-to-order products and/or manufacturing services (e.g., industrial gearing, gearboxes, heavy machining, precision components, cast/forged/machined assemblies) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with defense contracting environments and compliance expectations (e.g., ITAR/EAR awareness, DFARS, controlled technical data handling, flow-down requirements).
• Experience with AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality systems and/or selling into highly regulated OEM environments is strongly preferred.
• Experience with CMMC 2.0 information security requirements.
• Established network within defense, aerospace, and maritime/shipbuilding markets strongly preferred.
• Experience negotiating long-term agreements, supplier contracts, and/or multi-year program awards.

Specialized Skills/Knowledge/Ability:

• Strong people leadership skills, with experience leading, coaching, and developing others (direct reports and/or dotted-line teams).
• Demonstrated ability to manage long-cycle pursuits and lead RFQ/RFP responses with cross-functional teams.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen (pricing, margin, deal structure, forecasting).
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively with executive, engineering, quality, supply chain, and program stakeholders.
• Proficiency with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%.