VP Business Development

General Tool Co•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

GTC is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturer seeking an executive to lead its business development and marketing functions. This leadership role, reporting directly to the President, involves full ownership of opportunity identification, customer pursuit, contract acquisition, and strategic positioning for future growth. The position is designed for a proactive builder who can develop strategy, lead capture efforts, cultivate long-term customer relationships, and assemble a high-performing business development team. This role is eligible for a Management Incentive, rewarding contributions to company growth.

Requirements

Ten or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in business development, sales, operations, engineering, or program management within aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing.
Proven experience leading capture strategy.
Proven experience negotiating contracts.
Proven experience building customer relationships.
Understanding of government contracting practices.
Ability to read a market.
Financial and business acumen to connect growth strategy to the bottom line.
Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, marketing, or a related field.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
Interpersonal skills to work effectively at every level of the organization.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business management.

Responsibilities

Lead the company's full business development and marketing function, encompassing market intelligence, opportunity identification, capture strategy, proposal development, pricing, contract negotiations, and contract launch.
Own the pipeline, backlog, and bookings number, and report monthly on BD metrics, budget performance, and strategic growth indicators.
Develop and execute business development plans within targeted market segments.
Build deep market intelligence on customers, competitors, industry trends, and emerging defense programs.
Implement price-to-win discipline in major pursuits.
Lead GTC's marketing and advertising activities.
Contribute to broader strategic planning, including capital investments, facility improvements, workforce development, and capability expansion, with a focus on growth.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers in existing and targeted organizations.
Represent GTC externally with customers, industry partners, suppliers, and strategic stakeholders.
Collaborate cross-functionally with program management, operations, engineering, finance, and supply chain to develop competitive and executable proposals and contracts.
Build, develop, and lead a high-performance business development team.