Defense Market Development Sales Leader

Chemelex•Houston, TX

About The Position

Reporting to the VP, Product and Business Development, the Director, Defense Market Development (Sales) will lead Chemelex’s commercial expansion into the global defense ecosystem. You will: Own a new defense bookings and revenue target, Build and convert a high-quality pipeline of defense opportunities, and Lead account and capture efforts with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), allied defense ministries, primes, and system integrators. You will translate Chemelex thermal and sensing technologies into compelling solutions for mission-critical platforms, installations, and infrastructure, while partnering closely with Sales, Product, and Engineering to win multi-year programs. this is a high-impact opportunity with a results-oriented incentive plan designed to reward top performers/exceptional performance.

Requirements

8–15+ years of selling or business development experience in the defense ecosystem, ideally with: A defense prime, Tier 1 supplier, or specialized defense technology / solutions provider, and/or Direct experience working with DoD or allied defense ministries on major programs.
Proven track record of owning and exceeding a sales or bookings target, ideally multi-million-dollar annual goals.
Experience leading capture efforts for complex programs or projects, including shaping opportunities, managing proposals, and closing.
Established relationships with defense decision makers and influencers, such as program offices, acquisition commands, and primes.
Global defense or security experience preferred, including work with allies and multinational programs.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field; an advanced degree or equivalent military education is a plus.
Deep understanding of the defense customer environment, including requirements, acquisition processes, and funding cycles.
Strong commercial acumen: pricing, deal structuring, negotiation, and margin protection.
Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Strategic thinker who can translate mission and policy into executable commercial plans, account strategies, and offers.
Strong communicator, able to engage credibly with senior military leaders, defense executives, and internal technical and commercial teams.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with export controls, ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), and security requirements related to defense programs.
Experience working within or alongside large, global industrial or technology companies.