Sales & Commercial Manager

GKN Aerospace•Newington, CT

12d

About The Position

The Sales & Commercial Director/Manager, Material Solutions US is responsible for developing and executing the commercial growth strategy for the United States market. This role is a key contributor to Material Solutions' ambitious growth plan, driving revenue expansion while strengthening the company's market position across aerospace and adjacent industries. The position leads business development, sales, marketing, customer engagement, strategic partnerships, and funding initiatives within the United States. The successful candidate will cultivate strong relationships with aerospace OEMs, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and strategic partners to accelerate business growth and support the expansion of Material Solutions' capabilities and manufacturing footprint in the US.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a related technical field.
5+ years of progressive experience in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, engineering, business development, sales, marketing, or customer-facing leadership roles.
Demonstrated success developing and capturing new business opportunities and driving revenue growth.
Experience managing strategic customer relationships and commercial negotiations.
Prior leadership experience leading teams, projects, or cross-functional initiatives.
Strong understanding of aerospace industry practices, customer requirements, and competitive market dynamics.
Strong business development, sales, and strategic planning capabilities.
Excellent communication, presentation, networking, and relationship-building skills.
Strong financial and commercial acumen, including forecasting, budgeting, and business case development.
Proven ability to influence stakeholders and effectively engage executive-level audiences.
Must be a US Person (Citizen or Green Card Holder) or have the ability to obtain the necessary Government licesning to work with controlled technology and products.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or MBA.
Experience within aerospace propulsion, additive manufacturing, advanced materials, or related technologies.
Knowledge of government funding programs, grants, and incentive opportunities.
Experience supporting manufacturing expansion, operational growth initiatives, or strategic partnerships.
Demonstrated ability to identify market trends and translate opportunities into sustainable business growth.
Experience working with Aerospace OEMs, Defense customers, or adjacent industrial markets.
Strong project management and business planning experience.
Ability to work effectively in a global, matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the US commercial strategy to drive revenue growth and achieve annual sales objectives.
Identify, qualify, and capture new business opportunities across aerospace, defense, energy, automotive, space, and other targeted markets.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, partners, government entities, and industry stakeholders.
Lead sales planning, forecasting, account management, and business development activities to meet growth targets.
Coordinate commercial pursuits, proposals, and bid activities in partnership with Program Management and cross-functional teams.
Drive brand awareness and market positioning through customer engagement, industry events, and marketing initiatives.
Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies to inform business strategy and investment decisions.
Pursue and secure government funding, grants, and incentives that support business growth, capability development, and facility expansion.
Support strategic business planning, including new market development, partnerships, joint ventures, and product opportunities.
Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Programs, and Defense teams to align commercial objectives with operational execution.
Contribute to the expansion of US manufacturing capabilities and long-term growth initiatives.
Champion sustainability, circular economy efforts, and company environmental objectives.
Provide leadership and influence across internal teams while serving as a key representative of Material Solutions in the US market.
Perform other duties, responsibilities, and projects as assigned to support business objectives and organizational needs.