Sales Client Partner

Shape the future of innovation as we tackle cutting‑edge projects that make a difference. We’re not just in the business of engineering—we’re building a brighter future. Driven by creativity and a culture of excellence, we believe in the power of engineering to solve today’s challenges and create opportunities for tomorrow. What we do matters.

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is growing and looking to add a Sales Client Partner to drive and sustain profitable growth for our strategic accounts in Aerospace and Defense Programs.

Due to the nature of the role US Citizenship is required and will need to be located in Cedar Rapids, IA.

As our Sales Client Partner, you will lead business development, scale and penetrate assigned accounts, seeding innovative ideas contributing to customers Digital/Engineering Initiatives. This Individual should have an excellent track‑record of building customer relationships, consulting on Sustainable relevant solutions for customers. The individual will work closely with the Internal Leadership Team and is responsible for leading and growing the overall relationship including Revenue and Profit responsibility for the existing accounts and contributing to the overall growth and development of the Virtual Business Unit (VBU).

The role will entail overseeing several pursuits, mining and mapping a focused account, sector specific strategies and driving the supporting solution team to provide a credible and quality response to client’s requirements. The Client Partner will head a segment of the Virtual Business Unit (VBU) for a major Aero & Defense account and bring a focused approach towards addressing this customer’s needs and strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Client Relationship Management
  :
  Build trust and strong partnerships with client personnel at all levels, leveraging relationships to position the company as a preferred partner.
• Business Development
  :
  Drive the opportunity management cycle (Prospect‑Evaluate‑Propose‑Close) to grow revenue, expand into new services, and enhance account engagement through strategic and unsolicited campaigns.
• Strategic Account Planning
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  Develop and execute account strategies, including SWOT analysis, growth identification, and competitive reviews, to guide investment and resource allocation.
• Customer Engagement and Communication
  :
  Conduct regular customer reviews, deliver branded communications, and ensure proactive and transparent communication aligned with client needs.
• Solution Selling
  :
  Collaborate with delivery teams to propose tailored solutions, leveraging cross‑sell and up‑sell opportunities to enhance customer value.
• Account Operations and Governance
  :
  Oversee the entire account lifecycle, including strategic pricing, proposal development, forecasting, and billing rate negotiations to ensure profitability and operational excellence. Partner with Delivery management to achieve goals and support strategic initiatives.
• Team Leadership and Development
  :
  Lead sales and delivery teams in a matrixed environment, fostering collaboration, guiding professional growth, and aligning efforts to strategic objectives.
• Market and Revenue Strategy
  :
  Analyze competitive landscapes, structure large deals, and drive revenue growth through strategic investments, pricing strategies, and innovative business models.
• Expanding Client Partnerships
  :
  Identify opportunities to expand into new geographies, divisions, or services, ensuring alignment with the client’s evolving needs and strategic goals.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years in sales, relationship, or account management, managing accounts worth $8–$10M+ in the Aerospace or Defense Industry.
• Bachelor’s Degree (MBA or advanced account management training preferred).
• Strong engineering and digital solutions knowledge, including product life-cycle expertise.
• Experience/Familiarity with lifecycle engineering services, including embedded software and systems engineering, firmware, mechanical and structural design and analysis, manufacturing and software/hardware support.
• Domain knowledge in domains such as Aerosystems (Nav, Avionics, braking, power, mission computers) Aero Engines (controls, HMS, sensors), and Aircraft and…