Business Development Manager

Natilus•San Diego, CA

19d•$150,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Natilus are seeking a driven and strategic Business Development Manager to help identify, develop, and execute new business opportunities across commercial and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) markets. This role will be responsible for building and maintaining customer relationships, executing the company’s business development strategy, and supporting opportunities from initial engagement through contract execution. The Business Development Manager will work closely with company leadership and cross-functional teams to translate strategic priorities into actionable business opportunities and long-term partnerships. The ideal candidate combines strong business development skills with the ability to execute. You should be comfortable developing relationships, pursuing new opportunities, managing multiple initiatives, and operating in a fast-paced startup environment.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in business development, strategy, program management, aerospace/defense, commercial aviation or a related field.
Bachelors in Business Administration or related field
Demonstrated experience developing new business opportunities and managing customer relationships.
Experience working within aerospace, aviation, defense, or another highly technical industry preferred.
Familiarity with DoD customers, government contracting, procurement, or business development processes preferred.
Experience supporting proposals, contracts, negotiations, and strategic partnerships.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop and deliver executive-level presentations.
Ability to build relationships with customers, partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities.
Build trust through ownership, transparency, and follow-through
Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully across teams
Lead by example and model expected behaviors
Ability to give and receive direct, constructive feedback
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities.

Responsibilities

Identify, develop, and pursue new business opportunities across commercial and DoD markets.
Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, government stakeholders, strategic partners, and other key industry contacts.
Execute the company’s business development strategy, including opportunity development, customer engagement, proposals, and strategic initiatives.
Support contract development, negotiation, execution, and ongoing contract management.
Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships in support of business and program objectives.
Lead and coordinate marketing activities, including company positioning, customer-facing materials, industry events, tradeshows, and external communications.
Partner with leadership and technical teams to align customer requirements, market opportunities, and company capabilities.