Interim VP, Business Development

VDS Consulting Group • Los Angeles, CA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Value Driven Solutions is retained by a PE-backed precision machining and large-structures manufacturer serving aerospace & defense primes and tier-1 suppliers. The business runs large, capital-intensive machining centers and is positioned to capture long-cycle structural programs. We are seeking an interim commercial "rainmaker" — a senior business development leader who can move fast to build qualified backlog, win design-in positions on long-cycle programs, and keep high-value machine capacity loaded. This is a hands-on, hunter-oriented engagement reporting directly to the CEO, with real influence over pipeline strategy and deal structure.

Requirements

• Large-envelope technical fluency (priority). Ability to speak credibly to work envelope, single-setup capability on large parts, fixturing, large-part metrology, and material behavior.
• A proven "hunter" commercial / business development track record in precision machining, large-part fabrication, or complex aerospace & defense structures — measured in captured programs and backlog, not relationships alone.
• An active, trusted network across aerospace & defense primes and tier-1s, with genuine access into live programs and supply-chain organizations.
• Command of long-cycle commercial structures and working-capital / risk-based deal shaping.
• Comfort operating with urgency in a PE-backed environment and reporting directly to the CEO.
• US Person status required (ITAR-controlled work).

Responsibilities

• Asset-loading growth (priority). Treat spindle hours and machine-center utilization as the north star. Pursue work that keeps large, capital-intensive centers loaded — not just PO count or raw volume.
• Long-cycle program capture (priority). Position the business early — at the requirements and make-vs-buy stage — to be designed into programs where large structures are specified.
• Targeted hunting in the right grounds (priority). Work the primes and tier-1s that consume large precision structures, leveraging trusted access into the relevant programs and supply-chain organizations.
• Displacement & "market take" (priority). Monitor competitor exits, capacity gaps, and at-risk programs; run qualification campaigns to win second-source positions.
• Backlog building. Own a backlog-and-loading report tied to the capacity curve. Qualify hard — pursue only what fits the work envelope, technology roadmap, and cash profile.
• Risk-based deal shaping. Structure commercial terms — progress/milestone billing, material pass-through, cancellation protection, escalation — to protect margin and cash on long-cycle work.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed