VP Business Development Job Listing at Leonardo DRS in Huntsville, AL (Job ID 1363579900)

Description

Job ID: 113702

Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full range of capabilities, visit www.leonardodrs.com.

We are seeking a senior Business Development leader to serve at Redstone Arsenal/Huntsville as DRS Corporate Field Office Lead, reporting to DRS Corp SVP, Business Development & Strategy. This  leader will be the company's principal BD representative in the Huntsville Community, responsible for identifying high-value opportunities, cultivating and sustaining the customer community and industry relationships, and coordinating capture efforts that support corporate strategy across Army Space & Missile Defense Command (SMDC), Space Force, Missile Defense Agency (MDA) programs , including Golden Dome initiatives, Space Force, NASA, Army Materiel Command (AMC), and PAE engagement.   The role collaborates with key stakeholders at Leonardo and DRS Business Units to develop strategy, identify opportunities, and drive new business pursuits and capture.

Market and Opportunity Identification
•    Lead proactive market surveillance and opportunity identification across Space & Missile Defense, MDA, Air Defense, Counter-UAS, Space Force, Army SMDC, NASA, AMC, and adjacent mission areas.
•    Qualify identified opportunities to determine attractiveness, risk, competitive dynamics and likelihood of funding/occurrence.
•    -Translate customer needs and program roadmaps into prioritized BD opportunity pipelines and capture plans.
•    Maintain an active and qualified opportunity funnel aligned with corporate priorities.
Customer and Community Engagement
•    Serve as the primary senior-level point of contact for Huntsville-based customers, program offices, labs, and government stakeholders including MDA, Space Force, Army SMDC, NASA, AMC, DoD PEOs, and other relevant agencies.
•    Build trusted executive relationships with program managers, contracting officers, systems engineers, and key influencers.
•    Represent the company at industry and government forums, workshops, working groups, and community events.
B2B and Partner Network Development
•    Develop and manage an ecosystem of strategic industry partners, small businesses, primes, and academic/research institutions to create teaming and sub-contracting opportunities.
•    Lead partner selection and teaming strategy in coordination with capture teams.
Support to Corporate Strategy and PAE Engagement
•    Provide local market intelligence and input to corporate strategy and investment decisions, to include new product and technology internal research and development (IRAD). (including Golden Dome initiatives and regional strategic programs).
•    Own PAE engagement activities in the Huntsville market
Pursuit, Capture & Proposal Support
•    Support capture leader for select pursuits; coordinate cross-functional resources for effective pursuit plans.
•    Support proposal development through win themes, customer insights, pricing inputs, and executive-level relationship management.
•    Drive early engagement and solution shaping with customers and stakeholders.
Cross-functional Leadership & Reporting
•    Coordinate with BU leads, Capture Managers, Technical SMEs, Contracts, and Finance to ensure pursuit readiness and responsiveness.
•    Deliver regular pipeline, risk, and forecast reports to the Corporate BD leadership team.
•    Mentor and develop BD staff in the field office (as applicable).
Performance & Compliance
•    Ensure all BD activities comply with company policy, export control, and ethics rules.
•    Maintain confidentiality and appropriate handling of source selection sensitive information.

•    Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, marketing, management, or related field; advanced degree (MBA, MA, MS) preferred.
•    15+ years of industry experience with Army, Space, Missile Defense, Counter UAS (Military and/or Industry).
•    Deep customer network and established relationships in the Huntsville/Tennessee Valley defense community (MDA, Space Force, Army SMDC, NASA, AMC, PEOs, centers of excellence, primes).
•    Proven leadership skills with track record leading cross-functional teams 
•    Active or eligible to obtain DoD clearance (Top Secret or Secret with SCI preferred depending on portfolio).
•    Limited/predictable domestic travel to support trade Show and Key Customer engagements. (~10% estimated).
•    Demonstrated success leading large, complex pursuits and capture efforts for DoD and federal customers, including Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Space Force, NASA, and Army Materiel Command (AMC).
•    Progressive experience in Business Development, Capture Management, or Federal Growth roles within the defense, aerospace, or government contracting environment.
•    Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, senior leaders, and key stakeholders across multiple Business Units and partner organizations.
•    Excellent communication, presentation, and executive briefing skills.
•    Preferred Experience and Attributes
o    Prior executive-level presence in the Huntsville defense market.
o    Familiarity with Golden Dome initiatives or similar regional strategic programs.
o    Understanding of US and international missile defense, space acquisition processes, and NASA mission priorities.
o    Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and executive communications.
o    Demonstrated ability to operate with autonomy, influence at the C-suite and program executive level and manage competing priorities.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. 
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #Corp