Business Development Director, Joint Strike Missiles

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

Kongsberg US seeks a Director of Business Development to support growth of our Missile Product portfolio in the US, specifically focused on the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). This candidate will be the primary interface between Kongsberg US and Kongsberg Norway for all current and future business and government customers in the US and FMS markets. 

Successful applicants must be aggressive and adroit at fostering / growing customer relationships, to include engagements at senior levels of the US military and Congressional offices. Understanding the US and global air-launched strike missile market is imperative, as is maintaining close, seamless dialogue with Kongsberg counterparts in Norway to grow business both within the US and beyond. Periodic visits and briefings to foreign diplomats or their Defense, Air, or Naval Attaches (potential customers) will also be required. The Joint Strike Missile BD Director shall be the primary link and conduit between Kongsberg’s Missile and Aerostructures Division campaigns and operations in Norway and the US market on a day-to-day basis. This position will primarily focus on the Joint Strike Missile product line but will also provide support and assistance across the entire current and future missile portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Reporting to the Kongsberg US Vice President for Business Development & Strategy and closely coordinating with Kongsberg (Norway) Missile & Aerostructures Division Vice President for Business Development, the applicant will lead, develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy to maximize efficient growth and profitability within the US.
• Maintain strong relationships with all current, and prospective, US customers. Coordinate Quarterly Update / Status meetings with existing customers to maintain relationships and connectivity between division program management in Norway and customers.
• Manage relationship between Kongsberg and US Air Force and US Navy aviation training commands to ensure current operator/strike mission planner knowledge of specific weapon capabilities and most current CONOPs considerations are integrated into student curriculum and operational training.
• Participate in and facilitate (when necessary) relevant Program Management Reviews.
• Grow a strong base of relationships within the US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps aviation communities to ensure visibility and growth of the Joint Strike Missiles, while elevating existing relationships with existing customer offices and develop / foster relationships with other offices to increase advocacy and integration of the JSM into other platforms.
• Manage recurring Trade Show participation by ensuring participation in high payoff potential venues and ensuring Kongsberg displays reflect evolving focus of existing or targeted customer base.
• Support international capture efforts, when required, through actions such as briefing Foreign Embassy staffs based in the DC area on capabilities and program developments.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, commercial as well as military, to include strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and contract acquisitions.
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to inform strategic decisions and positioning.
• Forge and maintain strategic partnerships, alliances, and collaborations with key stakeholders, including military services, government agencies, industry partners, and suppliers.
• Sales and Revenue Growth: Drive sales initiatives and revenue growth by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, contracts, and programs.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the successful execution of business development initiatives.
• Participate in full opportunity lifecycle process, from opportunity identification through proposal delivery and award.
• Work as part of the Kongsberg US Business Development team to identify areas of cross collaboration and provide inputs to the overarching US Strategic Plan.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of new technology development / platform development projects and manage communication of efforts to current /potential US customers and industry partners, as appropriate.
• Hands-on attitude to work with a willingness to learn and develop.
• Self-starter.
• A team player who works well in dynamic teams and in matrix-style project organizations.
• Problem solver - identifying and resolving problems in production as they arise.
• Collaborative, collegial and enthusiastic attitude towards work.
• A willingness to embrace Kongsberg’s corporate values of collaboration, determination, reliability and innovation.
• A willingness to travel, including internationally, and undergo training when required. 

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development within the defense aerospace industry, with a focus on military systems and solutions, with at least 4 years working at the Senior / Executive level, preferred.
• Possession of a current, or eligibility/ability to obtain, a US government SECRET clearance. Active SECRET or higher clearance is preferred. 
• Prior military – Prior Naval or Air Force TACAIR pilot experience with background in requirements/budgeting development and/or acquisition of weapons systems.
• Proven ability to build Senior level (GO / FO, SES) relationships. Ability to engage with and coordinate messaging and coordination with Senior Government and Industry Partner organizations, building long-term client relationships.
• Deep understanding of the defense market, particularly in missile, aerospace and unmanned systems sectors, and US government procurement processes (PPB&E), including current trends, technologies, and regulatory environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at all levels.
• Leadership: Proven leader skills with a with a track record of managing and motivating high-performance teams under fluid, rapidly changing environments.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a cross-cutting, multi-function team.
• Understanding of and experience in the use of business development and capture processes (e.g., Shipley, etc.)

Education Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Advanced degree (MA, MBA, MSc) preferred.

Clearance Requirements:

• Eligible for and ability to obtain a government SECRET clearance. Active SECRET or higher clearance preferred.

 Other Position Considerations:

• Position shall be located in the DC Metro area and operates out of the Kongsberg US Headquarters office, currently located in Alexandria, VA. Remote may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.
• Travel: Must have or be able to obtain a US passport. Up to 50% travel - both domestically and internationally - expected. Candidates must be willing and able to travel to government and industry partner locations, participate in trade shows and conferences. Several trips to Norway can be expected per annum to participate in Management Reviews, Global Marketing Conferences, and to support emerging program needs.
• Must be able to work as part of a team; positive “can-do” attitude.
• Flexible in ability to change priorities to accomplish changing team/corporate deadlines and goals.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position.

Schedule:

Day shift

Monday to Friday

9/80

Anticipated training period: 

3 months (+)

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Employer paid premiums, 100%
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent care Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) matching
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Sick Time Off
• Flexible Schedule

U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT: “To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position.” OR “Applicant must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export control.” “A U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.”

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations. In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently includes company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance, employee stock purchase option, sick time and paid time off (PTO).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type: Full-time