Director of Business Development

A confidential, growth-oriented U.S. defence contractor based in Virginia is seeking a Business Development Director to lead commercial growth initiatives within the U.S. naval defence market.

The organisation supplies specialist capabilities and services directly supporting the United States Navy and associated defence stakeholders. Following sustained demand and increasing opportunity across naval programmes, the business is strengthening its commercial leadership to expand market share and drive strategic growth.

This is a high-impact, senior-level appointment with significant visibility across the executive team.

The Opportunity

This role blends strategic growth leadership with hands-on business development execution. The successful candidate will:

• Drive expansion within existing Navy programmes
• Open new opportunities across naval and maritime defence customers
• Leverage established Department of Defense relationships
• Lead and develop a growing BD function

This appointment is critical to scaling the organisation’s market presence while ensuring operational capacity aligns with commercial expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic business development plan focused on U.S. Navy and naval defence customers
• Identify and secure new contracts within Navy commands, program offices, and prime contractors
• Expand relationships across procurement, contracting, and operational stakeholders
• Lead and mentor Business Development Managers and regional sales personnel
• Manage pipeline forecasting and long sales-cycle strategy
• Represent the company at defence and naval industry events
• Collaborate with operations and leadership to ensure scalable growth
• Contribute to long-term market positioning within naval defence

Candidate Profile

• Proven business development success within the U.S. defence sector
• Direct experience supporting or selling into the United States Navy
• Strong network across Navy stakeholders, DoD, and/or prime contractors
• Demonstrated ability to win and manage multi-year defence contracts
• Strategic thinker with hands-on deal-closing capability
• Experience leading or influencing sales teams

Highly Desirable:

• Former U.S. Navy officer or senior enlisted background with subsequent commercial BD experience
• Background in naval systems, maritime support services, MRO, engineering services, or defence technology
• Experience in small-to-mid-sized defence contractors (SME environment)
• P&L or commercial ownership exposure
• Agile, growing defence contractor
• High retention and strong leadership stability
• Entrepreneurial but disciplined environment
• Strategic growth focus without excessive corporate bureaucracy
• Opportunity to shape commercial strategy at a senior level

This would suit a seasoned naval defence professional seeking a significant leadership challenge — or a high-performing BD leader ready to elevate into executive-level impact.

• Competitive base salary (flexible depending on experience and network strength)
• Performance-based commission structure (strong upside potential; uncapped earning opportunity)
• Healthcare and standard U.S. benefits package
• Potential relocation support for exceptional candidates

Commission is tied to contract wins and commercial performance, with strong earning potential aligned to deal value.

The organisation is positioned for continued expansion. This role offers the opportunity to:

• Scale the commercial function
• Build long-term Navy partnerships
• Influence strategic direction at executive level
• Play a defining role in the next growth phase of the business