Defense Business Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Experienced and highly motivated Business Development Manager (BDM) to lead and expand our growth efforts within the United States Marine Corps (USMC), with a primary focus on small arms, weapons systems, related accessories, and lifecycle support programs. (This position is located in Columbus, GA and will not be a remote role.)

Essential Functions:

Business Development & Strategy

• Lead growth strategy focused on USMC small arms acquisition programs, including modernization initiatives, new weapon development and testing, and sustainment opportunities.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities across MCSC, PM Infantry Weapons, CD&I, TECOM, and other relevant Marine Corps decision bodies.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year USMC opportunity pipeline, forecasting near-term and long-term captures aligned with organizational goals.
• Monitor USMC budgets, capability gaps, and modernization priorities to shape solutions and inform strategic decision-making.

Customer Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build, maintain, and grow relationships with key USMC stakeholders, including:
  • Program Managers & Product/Project Managers
  • Requirements Officers
  • Contracting Officers
  • Test & Evaluation personnel
  • Operational end-users across USMC units
• Represent the company at USMC industry days, demonstrations, trade shows, and capability briefings.
• Serve as the primary customer advocate and voice of the USMC within the organization.

Capture Management

• Lead capture activities from opportunity identification through contract award.
• Assist with teaming strategy, including partnership identification and negotiation.
• Collaborate with internal engineering, product, and program teams to tailor offerings to USMC requirements.
• Support proposal development, including writing sections, shaping requirements, and ensuring compliance with solicitation documents.

Market & Technical Knowledge

• Maintain expert-level understanding of:
  • USMC small arms and weapons systems portfolio, requirements, training efforts
  • Ongoing modernization efforts (e.g., modernization of infantry weapons, optics, suppressors, target acquisition systems)
  • Relevant test processes, user evaluations, and certification requirements
• Track competitive landscape, emerging technologies, and shifts in Marine Corps operational doctrine that influence acquisition needs.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with HK-USA and/or HK Germany Procurement, Product Management, Engineering, Logistics, and Licensing Depts to influence product development aligned to USMC needs and assist with any program/order acceptance tests and subsequent deliveries.
• Provide customer feedback, operational insights, and requirement interpretations.
• Support forecasting, strategic planning, and executive-level reporting.

• Support Sales team events and functions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 5+ years of experience in DoD business development, capture, or program management focused on weapons, defense systems, or modernization, including either service within the military or in civilian sector roles.
• Strong familiarity with FAR/DFARS, DoD budgeting cycles, and acquisition processes.
• Deep understanding of the USMC acquisition system, including SYSCOM / “MCSC” (Marine Corps Systems Command), PM Infantry Weapons, CD&I (Capabilities Development & Integration), MARCORSYSCOM contracting processes, and requirements-setting pathways.
• Existing network within MCSC, CD&I, TECOM, and other USMC organizations.
• Technical understanding of small arms platforms, integration requirements, and testing procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to align business development efforts with overall corporate strategy and identify key growth areas.
• You must be able to safely operate and demonstrate the use of company products, including firearms.
• Possess excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office, ERP systems such as SAP, and mobile communications technologies.
• Ability to travel as required.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• Direct experience working with or supporting the U.S. Marine Corps, preferably with exposure to MCSC or PM Infantry Weapons.
• Experience in small arms, weapons systems, or defense-related hardware.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Prior military service within the U.S. Marine Corps, especially infantry or ordnance fields desired.
• Master’s Degree, specialized training, or equivalent experience is desired.