Business Development Manager

Sechan Electronics is a 100% Employee Owned organization that provides products and services to the aerospace and defense industry. So in addition to working for a company that helps to support our national security, how does generous healthcare benefits, ownership in the company and every other Friday off sound to you?

We are seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth with Tier 1 and 2 OEMs in the aerospace and defense sector for a high-mix, low-volume Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company. This strategic role owns the full business development lifecycle—identifying opportunities, developing capture strategies, building strong customer relationships, leading proposals, and closing deals.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical acumen with deep industry knowledge to understand complex customer requirements, collaborate with internal SMEs on turnkey design, manufacturing, testing, and integration solutions, and translate them into compelling customer value. They bring extensive OEM relationships and a proven record of consistently exceeding revenue and order targets. This role requires a strategic thinker and compelling communicator capable of developing market plans, executing capture strategies, and driving sustainable new business growth.

Position Responsibilities:
Business Development & Opportunity Management

• Drive new and follow-on orders with Tier 1 and Tier 2 aerospace and defense OEMs, consistently exceeding revenue and backlog goals.
• Build and maintain a high-probability opportunity pipeline for build-to-print and design-to-spec contracts.
• Develop and execute capture and engagement plans across multiple opportunities, translating technical offerings into business value.
• Lead complex, multi-year contract negotiations with prime contractor stakeholders.
• Track opportunity metrics and report progress to support corporate strategic objectives.

Customer Engagement & Thought Leadership

• Leverage trusted relationships with key OEM stakeholders to position EMS solutions and secure high-value contracts.
• Identify teaming and partnership opportunities to enhance win probability and strengthen OEM relationships.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows.

Proposal Development & Market Positioning

• Monitor government and customer portals (OTA, RWP, RFI, RFQ, RFP) to identify aligned opportunities and attend industry days.
• Support bid and proposal development for assigned captures, including Bid/No-Bid reviews, solution sessions, compliance checks, and submission coordination.
• Develop persuasive customer-facing presentations, white papers, proposals, and marketing materials.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with program managers, engineering, supply chain, operations, and R&D teams to develop end-to-end product lifecycle solutions that meet OEM program requirements.
• Ensure alignment between business development and internal program teams to maximize OEM engagement, drive program success, and support repeat business.

Skills & Abilities:
Business Development & Customer Engagement

• Proven ability to build high-probability pipelines and win multi-year contracts with Tier 1 and Tier 2 OEMs.
• Skilled at translating technical offerings into business value and strategic growth opportunities.
• Adaptable self-starter who thrives in fast-paced environments and independently drives business development efforts.

Technical & Manufacturing Expertise

• Deep understanding of electronics design, assembly, integration, and testing.
• Expertise in build-to-print and design-to-specification solutions for CCA, cable/wire harness, box build, and system-level programs.
• Experienced in aligning manufacturing solutions with customer program requirements across the full product lifecycle.

Analytical & Financial Acumen

• Strong analytical skills to evaluate market intelligence, competitor data, and prioritize high-value programs.
• Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling to inform strategic decisions.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Proven ability to lead and collaborate across engineering, R&D, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and program teams.
• Ensures internal alignment maximizes OEM engagement and supports repeat business.

Communications

• Clear, persuasive communicator with strong writing, editing, and proposal development skills.
• Experienced in authoring white papers, proposals, presentations, and managing stakeholder communications.
• Proficient in MS Office and CRM tools (e.g., IFS Cloud).

Regulatory & Quality Knowledge

• Knowledgeable in ITAR, EAR, CMMC, AS9100, and ISO 9001 standards.
• Skilled at managing sensitive technical data and ensuring strict adherence to quality and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Computer) or Business Administration required; MBA preferred to support strategic growth planning.
• Minimum 7+ years in business development or sales within the EMS/contract manufacturing industry, with a focus on defense and aerospace OEMs.
• Deep understanding of the Department of Defense procurement lifecycle, federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS), and capture management processes.
• Proven track record in generating new business, exceeding targets, and closing deals. Ability to identify unfunded requirements and emerging defense programs ahead of formal solicitations.
• Established, active relationships with major aerospace and defense prime contractors (Tier 1/Tier 2 OEMs) and government agencies to secure Tier 2/3 supplier status on key platforms.
• Familiarity with the electronics supply chain within the defense sector, including Tier 2/3 supplier dynamics.
• Strong knowledge of electronics manufacturing capabilities, including assembly and ruggedized electronics standards (MIL-STD, RTCA DO, NASA, SAE).
• Professional certifications in Shipley Proposal Management and Capture Management or Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance; Top-Secret preferred.

Work Environment:

• Remote location: Requires physical capability to work in an office environment including sit/stand up to 9 hours a day and use basic office tools such as a computer, copier/printer, etc. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Hours: 1st Shift; with additional hours as needed to meet demand. Occasional off-shift hours may also be required to provide support to operations.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Up to 50% travel may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
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