Manager, Defense Programs

3 Months ago • 6 Years +

Job Summary

Job Description

The Manager, Defense Business Development will be responsible for refining and executing the defense go-to-market strategy and executing existing DoD contracts. This role involves developing and executing a roadmap to a Program of Record with relevant services, securing opportunities to bolster REGENT’s product development across key defense stakeholders, and ensuring flawless execution of existing Marine Corps and Defense Department programs. The manager will also work closely with the engineering team to prioritize customer requirements and communicate technical details, timelines, and program plans to customers. Furthermore, the manager will collaborate with the Government Relations function to build and deepen relationships with key government leaders, agencies, and advocacy groups.

Must have:

6+ years of experience with Federal Programs, Department of Defense, and/or National Security
Expert communication and writing skills
Expert deal strategy and negotiation skills
Proven ability to manage multiple business development strategies
Strong understanding of the US Government's proposal and contracting processes
Strong interpersonal and presentation skills

Good to have:

Veteran, especially Marine Corps or Navy
Master's degree in a technical field and/or an MBA
Demonstrated experience within the aerospace field

2 skills required

2 skills required for this role

Add these skills to join the top 1% applicants for this job

forecasting-budgeting

quality-control

Job Details

At REGENT, we’re on a mission to revolutionize regional coastal transportation by developing and manufacturing the seaglider, a novel wing-in-ground-effect craft that operates over water within a wingspan of the surface and combines the speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. 

Our team is a group of passionate, forward-thinking individuals working together across fields including aerospace and maritime to pioneer a new model of efficient, zero-emission, high-speed transportation. It’s an exciting time to be part of this game-changing journey! 

REGENT is a proud dual-use company with technology that can make a difference to our warfighters, and we need a passionate and experienced defense business development leader to take us to the next level. Reporting directly to the Director of Defense Programs, our Manager, Defense Business Development, will be responsible for refining and executing our defense go-to-market strategy, executing our existing DoD contracts.

REGENT is proud to be a SkillBridge industry partner and offer internship opportunities for transitioning service members. Through this program, you'll gain hands-on experience in the maritime and defense industries, working alongside some of the most respected leaders and engineers in the field. While you continue to receive your military pay and benefits, we’ll provide immersive training and meaningful work that sets you up for success in a civilian career.

To be eligible for a Skillbridge Internship, you must meet the following requirements:

- Must be eligible to participate in an Internship per DoD Instruction 1322.29

- Must be projected to receive an honorable discharge from the military

- Must have all TAP and transition requirements completed prior to the start date

- Must receive approval from the Unit Commander or O4+ in the chain of command

- Must be located within a commutable distance or willing/approved to relocate to the job location

The Manager, Defense Business Development will have three primary initiatives:

- Long-term strategy: Develop and execute a roadmap to a Program of Record with relevant services

- Medium-term tactics: Develop and execute strategies for securing opportunities to bolster REGENT’s product development across key defense stakeholders (all services, intelligence community, and innovation units, e.g. DIU)

- Short-term execution: Ensure flawless execution of our existing Marine Corps and Defense Department programs focused on accelerating full-scale human-carrying seaglider development

Throughout these initiatives, the Manager, Defense Business Development, will work closely with our engineering team to filter and prioritize customer requirements and to communicate technical details, timelines, and program plans to our customers. The Manager, Defense Business Development, will also work closely with the Government Relations function to build and deepen relationships with key government leaders, agencies, and advocacy groups, ensuring REGENT is a leader on legislation and policy matters that are generally important to the business.

Success in this role means our seagliders are built into multiple DoD Programs of Record, comprising a substantial fraction of our total manufacturing capacity. As a result, our nation’s warfighters are better equipped to succeed.

What You'll Do:

Own successful strategy and growth of REGENT’s defense business and team
Develop multi-year business development strategies focused on winning solutions across all areas of the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community
Work alongside REGENT leadership to determine business development strategies and priorities
Engage target government programs and key decision-makers; our defense leader must forge strong relationships and can’t be stuck behind a desk
Build the defense business development and program management team, ensuring a top-tier BD function
Coordinate with engineering leadership to ensure customer requirements are met throughout the capture and program execution processes
Actively lead strategic capture plans with other employees and monitor current and future government programs, including legislative actions, customer requirements, executive branch policy, guidance, and budgeting.
Lead proposal development from inception to completion, including responding to Request for Information and Request for Proposals, writing proposals, and preparing customer presentations
Work on the team of our VP of Government and Defense Relations to support and grow REGENT’s Washington DC office
Be a trusted, respected ambassador for the company in forums ranging from trade conferences to meetings with high-ranking government officials
Travel to represent REGENT and grow brand awareness in key markets to prospective government clients through presentations and demonstrations

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in technical, public policy, or business field
6+ years of experience with Federal Programs, Department of Defense, and/or National Security
Expert communication and writing skills with a focus on technical and creative attributes to develop winning strategies and capture management plans
Expert deal strategy and negotiation skills
Proven ability to manage multiple business development strategies across a multitude of government offices
Strong understanding of the US Government's proposal and contracting processes
Strong interpersonal and presentation skills

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

Veteran, especially Marine Corps or Navy
Master's degree in a technical field and/or an MBA
Demonstrated experience within the aerospace field

Location:

Based full-time, preferably in Washington DC. Full-time at REGENT HQ (North Kingstown, RI) is also acceptable.
Must be able to travel as needed (20-40%)

If you’re ready to take on an exciting challenge, grow with us, and make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, but you see yourself contributing to our mission, we encourage you to apply! We value diverse skillsets and experiences and believe in the potential of passionate individuals to make a big impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer

REGENT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.