Director of Business Development -Northeast

About Tradewind:

Tradewind Aviation is a leading Part 135 commuter and on-demand private charter operator with operational bases at the Waterbury/Oxford, CT (OXC), Westchester, NY (HPN), Stuart, FL (SUA) and San Juan, PR (SJU) airports. Founded by aviation enthusiasts in 2001 on the premise that all flights deserve the highest quality aircraft, crew, and service, Tradewind provides personal air travel—both private and scheduled service—throughout North America and the Caribbean. 

For more details visit www.flytradewind.com

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE / ROLE

Tradewind Aviation is seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Director of Business Development to lead client acquisition efforts for our Goodspeed Membership and Aircraft Management programs. This role is responsible for managing and converting inbound sales opportunities while proactively generating new business through strategic prospecting, networking, partnerships, and relationship development. This position will be based in the Northeast. 

The ideal candidate is a consultative sales professional with experience selling luxury services, aviation solutions, or high-net-worth products. They possess exceptional relationship-building skills, a passion for delivering extraordinary client experiences, and a proven ability to drive revenue growth. 

Reporting to the Vice President of Revenue, the Director of Business Development will play a critical role in expanding Tradewind's client base and strengthening the company's position as the premier provider of private aviation solutions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & REVENUE GENERATION

• Generate new business opportunities for Tradewind's Goodspeed Membership and Aircraft Management programs.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue targets.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospects through outbound prospecting, referrals, networking, events, and strategic partnerships.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, business executives, aviation advisors, and aircraft owners.
• Represent Tradewind at industry events, trade shows, community organizations, yacht clubs, golf clubs, and luxury lifestyle gatherings.

LEAD MANAGEMENT

• Manage assigned inbound inquiries related to Goodspeed Membership and Aircraft Management.
• Conduct discovery conversations to understand client travel needs, aircraft ownership objectives, and operational requirements.
• Prepare and present proposals, financial analyses, and program recommendations.
• Guide prospects through the sales process from initial contact through contract execution and onboarding.
• Maintain accurate sales activity, pipeline management, and forecasting within Salesforce.

AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT SALES

• Develop expertise in Tradewind's aircraft management platform, operational capabilities, safety standards, and owner benefits.
• Educate aircraft owners on the financial, operational, and service advantages of partnering with Tradewind.
• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, and Executive Leadership to prepare ownership and management proposals.
• Support aircraft acquisition opportunities by identifying prospective owners and referral partners.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Foster long-term relationships with prospective and existing clients to drive retention, referrals, and upsell opportunities.
• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Service, and Operations teams to ensure a seamless client experience.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients throughout their relationship with Tradewind.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Aviation Management, Hospitality, or related field.
• 5+ years of business development, sales, or relationship management experience.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue and sales goals.
• Strong consultative selling and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience managing opportunities through a CRM platform such as Salesforce.
• Ability to travel as needed for client meetings, industry events, and networking opportunities.
• Must live in the Northeast

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in private aviation, luxury travel, yacht sales, wealth management, hospitality, or other high-net-worth client industries. 
• Understanding of aircraft ownership, charter operations, or aviation management services. 
• Existing network within luxury lifestyle, aviation, or business communities.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS)

• New Goodspeed Membership sales 
• Aircraft Management agreements signed 
• Qualified pipeline generation 
• Lead conversion rate 
• Revenue generated 
• Client retention and referral activity 
• Salesforce pipeline accuracy and activity metrics 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift / push or pull, greater than or equal to 15 lbs.
• Available to work weekends, holidays, and provide after-hours accessibility to personnel and leadership.
• Ability to communicate effectively on the phone and in meetings (in person or virtual)
• Ability to use to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and standard office equipment

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, use of computers and office equipment
• Indoor office setting with standard lighting and temperature
• Exposure to outdoor elements including heat, cold, rain, wind, and sun during ramp and operational duties.
• Potential exposure to hazardous or toxic environmental factors such as: Aircraft fumes and exhaust

Tradewind Aviation offers a competitive pay and benefits program for full-time team members:

• Comprehensive health and voluntary insurance plans
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Standby travel on select Tradewind Aviation scheduled flights
• Discounted standby travel benefits on numerous major and regional US and international airlines
• A rewarding career path with opportunities for growth and advancement throughout the organization