Business Development Director

Job Description:

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 Land Systems division. This role is responsible for identifying volume and strategic customers, developing partnerships, and informing 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 is preferably based on-site at one of Saab's U.S. locations. Remote work may be considered based on experience. Travel to major hubs in Huntsville, AL and Picatinny, NJ will be required.

Responsibilities include:

• • Develop and execute strategic market and product line business plans to drive growth and competitive positioning within the Land Systems division.
  • Lead strategic engagement with Army innovation hubs—including traditional R&D centers and rapid development/fielding initiatives—to identify emerging opportunities, build early relationships, and shape the technical art of the possible across Land Systems capability areas, ensuring alignment between evolving Army modernization needs and the company’s capabilities.
  • Shape long-term Army and land-systems requirements and capability planning by positioning the company early in the decision cycle, influencing acquisition pathways, and strengthening trusted-partner relationships across commands and key divisions.
  • Drive business development activities with a beyond-the-horizon focus, ensuring early insight into future requirements and modernization trends.
  • Analyze market data, identify trends, and assess the competitive landscape to inform strategic direction.
  • Shape new business opportunities through customer intelligence and market insight.
  • Define and communicate Saab’s value proposition to customers and partners.
  • Build and manage 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.
  • Support capture efforts and proposal development by identifying deal challenges, shaping win strategies, and integrating compelling themes.
  • Conduct partnership, make-vs.-buy, and joint venture analyses to support strategic decision-making.

Compensation Range: $258,500 - $348,900 for our Washington D.C. and Quincy locations; $215,400 - $290,800 for our Auburn Hills, Syracuse, and Orlando locations.

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:

Basic Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in business development, capture management, or strategic sales within the defense or aerospace sector; experience in land systems, ground-based combat, or weapons and missile systems preferred.
  • Proven experience developing and executing business development strategies focused on early-stage engagement with land systems innovation initiatives—identifying emerging opportunities, cultivating key stakeholder relationships, and aligning offerings with Army and other land system customer modernization trends.
  • Demonstrated experience influencing defense-sector requirements development and long-range capability planning, including the ability to position solutions strategically within acquisition pathways and shape customer demand.
  • 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.

Citizenship Requirements:

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.

Benefits:

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 purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable 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 ten 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.