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- Tasks: Lead business development for aerospace and defence, identifying opportunities and managing proposals.
- Company: Join Wind River, a global leader in mission-critical software for intelligent systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy a great workplace culture, remote work options, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects like NASA missions and contribute to cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in business development; degree in Business or Engineering preferred.
- Other info: Active security clearance is a plus; experience with government contracts is highly valued.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability. Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy.
Wind River is a recognized leader in Aerospace and Defense, committed to delivering advanced software solutions and services that address mission-critical needs for defense agencies and aerospace clients worldwide. We are seeking a strategic, results-driven Business Development / Capture Manager to join our team and help expand our market presence across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), identify new business opportunities, and execute capture strategies to support sustained growth in the Aerospace, Government and Defense sectors.
The Business Development / Capture Manager will be responsible for leading and driving the business development lifecycle from business opportunity identification to proposal submission and contract award. This individual will develop and execute strategic capture plans, identify and qualify new business opportunities, and ensure the successful pursuit of key contracts, including coordinating cross-functional teams and guiding proposals for complex Aerospace, Government and Defense projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and assess new business opportunities, emerging markets, and strategic partnerships within the Aerospace, Government and Defense sectors.
- Develop, maintain and implement strategies to drive market growth, including identifying key customer needs and aligning company solutions with those needs.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, government agencies, prime contractors, and industry partners.
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities in the Aerospace, Government and Defense markets.
- Engage in networking, attend industry events, and represent the company at conferences and trade shows to build brand awareness and generate new leads.
- Develop and present business development and capture plans and recommendations to senior leadership, aligning strategies with the company's goals.
- Lead capture efforts for strategic opportunities, guiding the team through the full lifecycle of the pursuit process, including qualification, proposal development, pricing strategy, and risk management.
- Work closely with proposal teams to create comprehensive, compelling, and compliant proposals that align with client requirements and showcase the company's value proposition.
- Coordinate and communicate with internal departments (e.g., product, legal, contracts, finance) to ensure timely and accurate capture execution.
- Manage proposal timelines, resources, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with the opportunity’s schedule and submission requirements.
- Conduct win/loss analyses for capture activities to refine strategies and improve future pursuits.
- Develop and execute strategic plans to grow the company’s footprint in key markets, including identifying potential clients, understanding their needs, and proposing tailored solutions.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to shape long-term growth strategies, including market diversification and entry into new international or domestic markets.
- Work with product development teams to tailor solutions based on customer feedback and market analysis.
Qualifications
- Holding an active security clearance is a plus, or ability to gain security clearance is a must.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 12 years of experience in business development, capture management, or sales within the Aerospace, Government and Defense sectors.
- Proven track record of leading and managing complex capture efforts for government and commercial contracts.
- Deep understanding of regional Acquisition Regulations and ‘flow-down’ requirements relative to regulated or government contracting process, contract types, and the structured bidding process for government and aerospace contracts.
- Experience developing and executing market strategies to support long-term business growth.
- Ability to identify and assess new business opportunities, manage strategic partnerships, and develop client-focused solutions.
- Prior experience working with government agencies and prime contractors in the Defense or Aerospace sectors is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and engaging with senior leadership in strategic decision-making.
- Experience in embedded systems and cloud software consisting of real-time operating systems (RTOS), industry-specific software (Linux), simulation technology, development tools, and middleware is a plus.
- Experience with Enterprise Software, specifically around Linux and cloud virtualization systems and requirements.
Skills
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence decision-makers and build relationships across all levels.
- Ability to think strategically and develop actionable plans that align with business objectives.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, particularly in evaluating business opportunities and risks.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), proposal management tools, and CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in strategic business development or capture management in key areas such as unmanned systems, cybersecurity, avionics, or aerospace systems.
- Familiarity with acquisition and export control regulations and their impact on capture and business development efforts.
Business Development\\/Capture Manager, Aerospace, Government & Defense employer: Wind River
Contact Detail:
Wind River Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development\\/Capture Manager, Aerospace, Government & Defense
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the Aerospace, Government, and Defense sectors. Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to meet potential clients and partners. Building relationships in these circles can lead to valuable insights and opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in the Aerospace and Defence industries. Understanding the current landscape will help you identify emerging business opportunities and tailor your approach to meet client needs effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with existing clients and government agencies to gather feedback on their needs and challenges. This information can be crucial in developing tailored solutions that align with their requirements, making you a more attractive candidate for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with Wind River's recent projects and achievements in the Aerospace sector. Being knowledgeable about our work will not only impress during interviews but also help you articulate how your skills can contribute to our ongoing success.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development\\/Capture Manager, Aerospace, Government & Defense
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development and capture management, particularly within the Aerospace, Government, and Defense sectors. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in leading complex capture efforts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your understanding of Wind River's mission and values. Mention how your skills align with their goals in the Aerospace and Defense markets.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully influenced decision-makers and built relationships in previous roles.
Highlight Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your knowledge of regional Acquisition Regulations and the government contracting process. This will show that you understand the complexities of the industry and are prepared to navigate them effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wind River
✨Research Wind River Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure to dive deep into Wind River's history, their role in aerospace and defence, and recent projects like NASA missions. Understanding their culture and values will help you align your answers with what they are looking for.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully identified business opportunities or led capture efforts, particularly in the Aerospace or Defence sectors.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Since building relationships is key in this role, be ready to discuss how you've effectively networked in the industry. Share specific instances where your connections led to new business opportunities or successful partnerships.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Regulations
Given the importance of compliance in government contracting, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of regional acquisition regulations and how they impact business development strategies. This will show your readiness to navigate the complexities of the role.
