Business Development Director, Autonomy & Maritime

Business Development Director, Autonomy & Maritime

Saab, Inc. is seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Director to develop and execute strategic market and product line business plans to support sales and growth in our Autonomy & Maritime divisions. This role is responsible for identifying volume and strategic customers, developing partnerships, and supporting Saab’s long-term business strategy.

The ideal candidate brings strong analytical, strategic, and relationship-building skills to identify new opportunities, shape customer requirements, and build Saab’s value proposition across key markets. This position can be located out of our San Deigo, CA or Washington, D.C. offices.

Responsibilities include :

Develop and execute strategic market and product line business plans to drive growth in our Autonomy & Maritime segments.

Analyze market data, identify trends, and assess the competitive landscape to inform strategic direction.

Navigate and advise on various government acquisition pathways, including Open Competition, Sole Source, FCT, OTAs, IDIQs, and FAR-based contracts.

Conduct partnership, make-vs.-buy, and joint venture analyses to support strategic decision-making.

Shape new business opportunities through customer intelligence and market insight.

Define and communicate Saab’s value proposition to customers and partners.

Build and managing relationships with key stakeholders to influence customer requirements and future opportunities.

Align Saab’s product portfolio and technology investments with market needs and customer missions.

Lead the full Business Development lifecycle—from opportunity identification through successful proposal submission—overseeing capture strategy, contact planning, competitive analysis, win strategies / themes, pricing considerations, and negotiation planning.

Compensation Range : $252,200-$340,400 for our Washington, D.C. location; $231,200-$312,100 for our San Deigo, CA location.

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education / training.

Skills and Experience :

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

15+ years of experience in business development, capture management, or strategic sales within the defense or aerospace sector; experience in domain experience in Subsea Seabed warfare strongly preferred.

A successful candidate will have :

Proven ability to understand technical solutions and effectively explain complex offerings to both internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated insight into customer operational workflows, funding structures, budget cycles, and acquisition approval processes.

Experience evaluating contract types, investment strategies, and cost structures.

Working knowledge of government acquisition mechanisms, including competitive and non-competitive contracting pathways.

Demonstrated success leading complex capture efforts from opportunity identification through proposal submission.

Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with expertise in market analysis, pricing, and competitive assessments.

Proven ability to build and manage relationships with senior customer stakeholders and industry partners.

Excellent communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.

Ability to work effectively across cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams.

Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces :

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.

Highlights include :

Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents

Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition assistance and student loan assistance

Wellness and employee assistance resources

Employee stock purchase opportunities

Short-term and long-term disability coverage

About Us :

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.

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