Job Description
We are seeking a high-impact Business Development professional to lead growth across U.S. Navy programs and shipyards. This is a pure hunter role—designed for someone who thrives in ambiguity, opens doors where none exist, and converts relationships into real opportunities.
This is not a traditional, admin-heavy BDM position. There is minimal CRM, reporting, or internal bureaucracy. Success in this role comes from being in the field—inside shipyards, engaging program stakeholders, identifying pain points, and creating momentum.
If you are energized by autonomy, relationship-building, and operating in the “grey,” this role was built for you.
What You’ll Do
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Act as the front-line growth driver across Navy programs and shipyards
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Spend ~90% of your time on the road, embedded in shipyard environments
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Open doors with Navy program offices, shipyards, OEMs, and suppliers
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Identify unmet needs, shape opportunities, and influence requirements early
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Drive RFP generation by proactively engaging proposal managers and program contacts
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Translate high-level strategy into execution without waiting for perfect conditions
This role is execution-focused and highly autonomous. Strategy support exists—but you own results.
What This Role Is Not
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Not an SME or technical specialist role
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Not a relationship maintenance or account management position
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Not driven by dashboards, internal meetings, or CRM hygiene
This role is for hunters, not administrators.
Key Challenges
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Navigating complex Navy and shipyard environments with confidence
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Leveraging credibility and institutional knowledge to gain access
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Competing for attention against well-established OEMs and suppliers
Candidates with existing Navy-adjacent relationships are highly sought after and difficult to find—this role is built for those who already know the terrain.
Required Experience & Skills
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Strong familiarity with FAR / DFARS
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Practical understanding of Navy procurement and shipyard operations
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Comfort operating in ambiguity and incomplete information
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Willingness to proactively call, engage, and push opportunities forward
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Confidence working across Navy, shipyard, and OEM ecosystems
Strong preference for candidates with a Navy background (active or former).
Engineering background is helpful but not required—technical SMEs are already in place.
Education requirements are flexible.
Above all, we value drive, access, and execution mindset.
Territory & Travel
Primary shipyard regions include:
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Virginia
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Mississippi
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Pensacola, FL
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West Coast (Washington and surrounding areas)
The role is remote with heavy travel.
Quarterly in-person team meetings are held in New Jersey.
Compensation
Manager Level:
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Base Salary: $120,000 – $170,000
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Target Bonus: 20%
Director Level:
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Base Salary: $200,000 – $225,000 (experience dependent)
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Bonus: Short-term and long-term incentive structure
Title and compensation are aligned to experience, access, and demonstrated capability.
Team & Growth
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Join a tight-knit naval-focused team of 6–7 professionals
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No direct reports in year one
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Leadership opportunities unlock through performance and results
First 90 Days
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Deep ramp-up and business immersion
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Relationship mapping across Navy and shipyard stakeholders
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Significant time spent onsite in shipyards
Success Metrics (12 Months)
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Establish 5 new high-value Navy or shipyard relationships
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Generate 5–6 qualified RFPs
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Typical deal sizes range from $2M–$5M
Consistent delivery against these metrics opens the door to team leadership and expansion.
Ideal Backgrounds
We are particularly interested in candidates coming from:
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Navy suppliers or OEMs
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Competitors within naval motion control, valves, or actuation systems
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Individuals currently or formerly supporting Navy program offices who understand how the customer operates