Job Description

Job Title: DOD Business Development Manager

Location: Remote

Business Unit: Team Wendy Ceradyne

About Avon Technologies:

We are a world leader in protective equipment, with a reputation for innovative design, high-performance quality and specialist materials expertise. Our two brands, Avon Protection and Team Wendy, supply our respiratory and head protection portfolio to customers across the globe from our manufacturing sites in the UK and North America. With over 900 talented people our shared purpose and core beliefs are to be #FIERCE about Protecting Lives. It's why we come to work - and it's what motivates us, every day, to do the best work we can.

Purpose of Position:

Team Wendy Ceradyne (TWC), a subsidiary of Avon Technologies, is committed to delivering top-tier head protection systems designed for the courageous individuals who put their lives on the line each day. The Business Development Manager will play a pivotal role in expanding TWC’s Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, as well as enhancing Team Wendy’s non-contract business with the DoD. This will involve actively engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including DoD Program Offices, end users, research and development departments, and legislative offices, to shape and communicate the specific requirements essential for effective head protection solutions.

The selected candidate will collaborate closely with the TWC President, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives, while also coordinating efforts with the Vice President of Commercial Growth at Team Wendy. This position will require a deep understanding of market dynamics, the ability to identify emerging opportunities, and the skills necessary to foster relationships that promote TWC’s innovative product offerings within the defense sector.

If you are passionate about advancing within the defense sector and possess the necessary qualifications, we invite you to apply for this exciting role to help shape the future of TWC/TW Programs!

Key Responsibilities:

1. Deep Market Knowledge:

• Develop and maintain an advanced understanding of TWC programs, TWC/TW brand offerings, and the company’s operational procedures.
• Gain comprehensive insights into product features, benefits, and customer demand to effectively position our solutions in line with market needs.

2. Representation at Strategic Events:

• Serve as a representative of TWC/TW at trade shows, customer visits, and key strategic industry events, effectively showcasing our products and services to potential customers and partners.
• Engage with stakeholders, fostering relationships that promote brand loyalty and trust.

3. Subject Matter Expertise:

• Become a recognized subject matter expert on all TWC/TW product lines, as well as the competitive landscape related to helmets and armor.
• Stay abreast of industry advancements and competitive strategies to provide valuable insights that inform business development efforts.

4. Sales Lead Generation & Pipeline Management:

• Support Senior Regional Sales Manager to shape and inform current and future performance requirements at the DOD.

5. Product Promotion:

• Articulate the unique features and advantages of TWC/TW products in discussions with clients, emphasizing alignment with their operational requirements.
• Deliver presentations and product demonstrations that highlight the strategic value of our offerings.

6. Customer Relationship Management:

• Maintain an updated contact list and conduct regular follow-ups with customers to nurture relationships and encourage repeat business.

7. Collaboration Across Teams:

• Coordinate efforts with cross-functional teams, including Business Development & Sales, Engineering, Product Category Management, Legal, and Marketing, to optimize overall sales effectiveness.
• Foster a collaborative work environment that encourages input from different departments to drive successful outcomes.

8. Continuous Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by gathering direct feedback from customers regarding product enhancements, trends, and future needs.
• Support product development efforts to align new innovations with market demands based on customer insights.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a related industry, with a strong background in Business Development, Capture Management, Program Management, or similar roles, demonstrating career progression.
• Alternatively, 10+ years of active-duty military service with experience at higher headquarters, Pentagon, or participation in a Legislative Fellowship is preferred.
• Must be authorized to live and work in the United States.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build relationships and network effectively.
• Strong decision-making abilities combined with analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and familiar with utilizing CRM/ERP systems for sales tracking and reporting.
• Team-oriented individual capable of developing productive relationships across diverse levels of the organization.
• Effective public speaking skills, with the ability to address groups including employees, customers, and suppliers confidently.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time for customer engagements and industry events.
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain a SECRET level personal security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience analyzing and advising on current acquisition trends, integrating insights into the RFI/RFP process.
• Strong understanding of DoD budgeting, procurement, and requirements processes and their relevance in driving business growth.
• Proven capability in fostering relationships with DoD customers and stakeholders.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, enabling the provision of detailed status reports, weekly progress updates, presentations, and proposal assistance.

Internal Relationships:

• Collaborates closely with Business Development & Sales, Commercial Sales, Engineering, Product Category Management, Legal, Contracting teams, and Marketing departments to ensure alignment and cohesiveness in sales strategies.

External Relationships:

• Engages with military program managers, direct military customers and end users, agents, necessary distribution channels, and regulatory and certification entities.

What We Offer:

• Flexible Schedule
• Competitive Compensation Package
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Learning and Development Initiatives

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job.  While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserved the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.

Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.
 
U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export-controlled and other technology and services with certain "non-U.S. persons" (persons who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., refugees, "Temporary Residents" (granted Amnesty or Special Agricultural Worker provisions), or persons granted asylum (but excluding persons in nonimmigrant status such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, etc.) or non-U.S. citizens.
 
To comply with these laws, and in conjunction with the review of candidates for those positions within Avon that may present access to export controlled technical data, Avon must assess employees' U.S. person status, as well as citizenship(s).
 
The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only.  Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position.  The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at Avon's sole election.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without a sponsorship for employment visa status (e.e. H1B status).

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Salem, NH is $130,000 to $160,000 annually.  The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, type and years of experience within the industry, education, etc.

EOE, Including Vet/Disability