Business Development Manager

Due to significant growth, Brad Foote Gear Works is adding a Business Development Managerresponsible for new business high precision machining, high-quality gearing, and gearbox solutions for thedefenseindustry. This position responsible for identifying, qualifying, and winning profitable growth opportunities within the U.S. defense industrial base. This role develops and executes a defense-focused growth strategy, builds relationships with primes and key subcontractors, leads the opportunity pipeline from early capture through contract award, and coordinates internal teams (engineering, estimating/quoting, quality, operations, and supply chain) to deliver compliant proposals and exceptional customer outcomes. This position will be remote out of a home office with travel up to 50% of the time to include 10%-15% at the main office/plant located in Cicero, IL. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Own and grow a defense-focused sales pipeline for heavy industrial gearing, gearboxes, and machined components (new build, retrofit, repair/refurbishment, and spares as applicable).Develop and execute account plans for defense primes, shipyards, depots, and tier suppliers, map stakeholders across engineering, supply chain, quality, contracts, and program management.Manage the proposal and RFQ/RFP response process in coordination with estimating/quoting, engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain; ensure assumptions, pricing, and lead times are accurate and competitive.Negotiate commercial terms (pricing, payment terms, lead times, warranty, and delivery) in alignment with company objectives and customer requirements.Develop and maintain deep knowledge of defense acquisition channels and program flows (prime/sub, depot/arsenal, spares, sustainment) and monitor relevant market/competitor activity.Ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements relevant to defense business (e.g., flow-downs, quality requirements, and controlled data handling as applicable).Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for assigned defense customers; lead regular business reviews and coordinate cross-functional support to resolve issues and protect customer satisfaction.Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for assigned defense customers; lead regular business reviews and coordinate cross-functional support to resolve issues and protect customer satisfaction.Perform other duties as assigned.