Business Development Manager Air Force

Cherokee Federal

About The Position

The BD Account Executive – Air Force Business Development is responsible for full-lifecycle business development, capture leadership, and customer engagement across the Department of the Air Force (DAF), including U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force organizations. This role is accountable for shaping, qualifying, and winning new business by aligning Air Force mission requirements with Cherokee Federal’s core capabilities in: Systems Engineering & Technical Services (SETA) Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS / HESFP) Logistics & Sustainment Operations (LSO) This position emphasizes early-stage opportunity shaping, disciplined capture execution, and senior-level customer engagement across Air Force operational, acquisition, logistics, engineering, and digital mission communities. The Account Executive serves as the primary growth leader for assigned Air Force accounts and is expected to drive opportunities from identification through award, including large, complex, multi-year pursuits ($50M–$500M+).

Requirements

As required by our governmental clients, this position requires U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (active preferred)
Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
10–15+ years of federal BD/capture experience with strong Air Force focus
Proven track record of winning competitive DoD contracts
Deep expertise in Opportunity qualification, Capture strategy, Competitive positioning, and Proposal execution
Established relationships within Air Force acquisition and mission communities
Strong understanding of FAR / DFARS, DoD acquisition lifecycle, and Contract vehicles (OASIS+, GWACs, IDIQs, GSA MAS, 8(a), Full & Open)
Strong executive communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels
Proficiency with Salesforce and Microsoft Office
Ability to travel up to 50%

Nice To Haves

Active security clearance

Responsibilities

Establish and execute an Air Force-focused BD strategy aligned to PETS, ATS, and LSO growth priorities.
Lead full lifecycle business development and capture activities from early shaping through award.
Execute disciplined opportunity qualification, capture planning, and win strategy development.
Develop compelling, executable solutions aligned to Air Force mission needs leveraging PETS, ATS, and LSO.
Focus on high-probability competitive space, particularly labor-driven, mission support, and sustainment opportunities.
Serve as the primary interface with Air Force and Space Force customers.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, contracting officers, and program offices.
Shape opportunities through RFIs / Sources Sought, White papers, Capability briefings, and Industry engagements
Influence requirements development and acquisition strategy in compliance with FAR and ethics standards.
Build and manage a qualified Air Force pipeline aligned to PETS, ATS, and LSO mission areas.
Develop account plans and 12–24-month opportunity roadmaps.
Align pipeline to OASIS+ task orders, Full & Open competitive opportunities, and Select strategic direct awards
Conduct financial modeling, bid/no-bid decisions, and forecasting.
Provide regular pipeline and capture updates to senior leadership.
Lead matrixed teams across Capability Leads (PETS, ATS, LSO), Capture and Proposal Teams, and Pricing and Contracts
Ensure solutions are Executable, Competitive, and Aligned to mission outcomes
Develop and execute teaming strategies with partners and subcontractors.
Apply Shipley-based BD and capture methodologies.
Maintain accurate Salesforce pipeline and capture data.
Support corporate gate reviews and governance processes.
Contribute to enterprise submission and award objectives.