Business Development Manager - Defense & Aerospace

Business Development - Sales Manager (Defense & Aerospace) - North America

Location: Nashville, TN (Near Defense & Aerospace hub)
Work Model: Hybrid (Travel required)
Status: Full-time 

Role Overview:

The Business Development - Sales Manager (Defense & Aerospace) is a strategic business development role responsible for expanding Schnellecke Logistics’ presence in the U.S. Defense and Aerospace supply chain. This position focuses on identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities with defense OEMs, Tier 1 & 2 suppliers, government contractors, and MRO organizations.

This role serves as a key interface between customers and Schnellecke’s internal teams, ensuring logistics solutions are secure, compliant, and aligned with U.S. defense regulations, including ITAR, EAR, and DFARS. The ideal candidate brings deep industry knowledge, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to translate complex defense requirements into scalable logistics solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Defense Market Development & Growth

• Lead business development efforts for the U.S. defense and aerospace sector.
• Identify and pursue opportunities with defense OEMs, Tier suppliers, government contractors, and sustainment organizations.
• Monitor DoD spending priorities, defense procurement cycles, and major program developments.
• Build strong relationships with procurement, supply chain, and program leadership across defense organizations.

Compliance & Regulatory Alignment

• Ensure sales activities align with U.S. defense regulations, including ITAR, EAR, DFARS, and cybersecurity requirements (NIST 800-171, CMMC).
• Partner with Legal and Compliance teams to assess contract requirements, export controls, and security considerations.
• Support qualification and approval processes to establish Schnellecke as an authorized defense supplier or subcontractor.

Customer Engagement & Account Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for defense-sector customers.
• Develop long-term, trust-based relationships with senior leaders and program teams.
• Conduct business reviews and identify opportunities for account expansion.
• Navigate defense contracting models, including FFP, CPFF, IDIQ, and subcontracting structures.

Solution Development & Proposal Leadership

• Collaborate with Solution Engineering, Operations, Quality, IT, and Finance to design compliant, cost-effective logistics solutions.
• Lead RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs in alignment with government contracting standards.
• Prepare proposals that include pricing models, compliance documentation, quality frameworks (e.g., AS9100), and risk mitigation plans.

Implementation & Internal Collaboration

• Support onboarding and startup of new defense programs.
• Participate in audits, facility assessments, and readiness reviews.
• Ensure seamless transition from sales to operations with full contractual and regulatory adherence.

Reporting & Governance

• Maintain accurate pipeline, forecast, and CRM data.
• Provide regular updates to Business Development and executive leadership.
• Support governance and reporting requirements tied to defense-sector opportunities.

Why This Role Matters:

This role is critical to Schnellecke Logistics’ growth within the U.S. defense and aerospace sector. The Sales Manager helps position the company as a trusted, compliant logistics partner supporting mission-critical programs while driving sustainable, long-term business growth.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in Sales, Business Development, program management in defense aerospace, or Government contracting.
• Strong understanding of U.S. defense supply chains and procurement processes, and industry stakeholders.
• Experience supporting or bidding on DoD or government contracts.
• Familiarity with secure logistics, controlled materials handling, and defense production support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active or eligible for U.S. Security Clearance.
• Experience working in ITAR/EAR-controlled environments.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and defense quality frameworks.
• Spanish language proficiency.
• Experience in logistics, manufacturing, or operational environments.
• Fluent in English; Spanish is a plus for cross-border programs.
• Able to complete a background check and drug screening.