Sales Director

Position Summary

The Sales Director is responsible for developing and executing strategic sales initiatives that drive revenue growth expand market share and strengthen customer relationships within the aerospace and defense industry. This role serves as a primary interface with key customers OEMs Tier 1 suppliers and other strategic partners building trusted relationships while identifying opportunities for long-term business growth.

The Sales Director will collaborate closely with Engineering Operations Quality and Supply Chain teams to ensure customer requirements are understood communicated and successfully executed. Success in this role requires strong business acumen executive-level communication skills technical understanding of aerospace manufacturing and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with high-profile customers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Customer Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for key aerospace and defense customers.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customer executives procurement leaders engineering teams and program managers.
• Establish credibility as a trusted business partner through responsive communication proactive problem solving and exceptional customer service.
• Conduct regular customer visits business reviews and strategic planning sessions.
• Represent the company at customer locations industry events trade shows and aerospace conferences.

Business Development & Sales Growth

• Identify qualify and pursue new business opportunities with existing and prospective customers.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans that support company growth objectives.
• Lead efforts to secure long-term contracts strategic partnerships and new program awards.
• Monitor aerospace market trends competitor activity and customer requirements to identify growth opportunities.
• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations proposals and business reviews to customers and executive leadership.

Strategic Account Management

• Develop account strategies that strengthen customer loyalty and increase revenue opportunities in both the OEM and Aftermarket segments.
• Manage sales pipelines forecasts and business development activities to achieve revenue targets.
• Negotiate pricing contract terms and commercial agreements while protecting company interests.
• Manage the day to day activities of the Sales organization including Customer Account Representatives and Order Entry staff.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop competitive solutions aligned with customer needs.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Coordinate customer requirements with Engineering Operations Quality and Production Control teams.
• Ensure customer expectations are accurately communicated throughout the organization.
• Support program launches contract reviews and customer audits as needed.
• Partner with internal teams to resolve customer concerns and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Maintain accurate sales forecasts account plans and customer activity reports.
• Provide regular updates on business development activities market conditions customer opportunities and sales performance.
• Support annual strategic planning and revenue forecasting processes.
• Track key performance indicators and develop action plans to achieve business objectives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration Engineering Marketing or a related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive sales business development or account management experience within the aerospace defense or advanced manufacturing industry.
• Experience working directly with major aerospace OEMs Tier 1 suppliers or defense contractors preferred.
• Proven track record of developing customer relationships and securing significant new business opportunities.
• Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and long-term contracts.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes quality systems and customer requirements.
• Exceptional relationship-building and executive-level communication skills.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated success in strategic selling and account growth.
• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Excellent presentation negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to analyze market conditions and develop effective business strategies.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency with CRM systems Microsoft Office applications and sales forecasting tools.
• Ability to travel on occasion to customer locations and industry events.