Role Objective

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for driving new business acquisition in the aerospace and defence manufacturing domain, with a strong focus on soft-line products (textiles, cushions, covers, interiors) and plastic, metal, and composite components.

The role demands an individual with an established network across OEMs, Tier-1, Tier-2 suppliers, defence organizations, and procurement agencies, capable of converting relationships into long-term manufacturing programs

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Development & Revenue Growth
  • Identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities in aerospace and defence manufacturing
  • Develop business for:
    (I) Soft-line products (seat covers, cushions, carpets, insulation, textile-based items)
    (II) Plastic, metal, and composite components
  • Drive RFQs, tenders, and long-term manufacturing contracts
  • Achieve annual and quarterly revenue and margin targets
2. Customer & Network Management (Critical Requirement)
  • Leverage existing relationships with:
    (I) Aerospace & defence OEMs
    (II) Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers
    (III) Defence PSUs, DPSUs, and Government Agencies
    (IV) International customers and sourcing offices
  • Act as the single point of contact for key strategic customers.
  • Build credibility as a long-term manufacturing partner, not just a vendor
3. Program & Opportunity Management
  • Coordinate internally with:
    (I) Engineering & Design
    (II) Quality & Certification
    (III) Manufacturing & Supply Chain
  • Support feasibility analysis:
    (I) Technical
    (II) Commercial
    (III) Certification & compliance (AS9100D, NADCAP, defence standards)
  • Ensure smooth transition from RFQ → development → serial production
4. Strategic Growth & Market Expansion
  • Identify opportunities for:
    (I) Indigenization (Make in India / Atmanirbhar Bharat)
    (II) Import substitution
    (III) Offset obligations
  • Support expansion into:
    (I) Defence platforms (aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, ground systems)
    (II) Aerospace interiors and structural/non-structural components
  • Track market trends, competitor activity, and customer sourcing strategies
5. Contracting, Pricing & Negotiation
  • Lead commercial discussions including:
    (I) Pricing strategies
    (II) Long-term agreements
    (III) Tooling recovery
    (IV) Development cost sharing
  • Work with management on strategic pricing decisions
  • Ensure contracts align with organizational capacity and compliance requirements
6. Certification & Compliance Alignment
  • Ensure business development efforts align with:
    (I) AS9100D
    (II) ISO standards
    (III) Defence and customer-specific requirements
  • Work closely with Quality and Management to:
    (I) Position certifications as a competitive advantage
    (II) Support customer audits and technical discussions

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

  • Engineering Graduate (Mechanical / Aerospace / Materials / Production preferred)
  • MBA or equivalent business qualification is an advantage

Experience

  • 8–15 years of experience in Aerospace & Defence business development or sales
  • Proven track record in manufacturing-led business, not trading
  • Mandatory: Existing, active network in aerospace & defence ecosystem
  • Experience with soft-line, interiors, plastics, metals, composites, or engineered components preferred

Key Skills & Competencies

  • Strong understanding of:
    (I) Aerospace & defence supply chains
    (II) Manufacturing and certification-driven environments
  • Ability to:
    (I) Read and interpret technical RFQs
    (II) Engage with engineering and quality teams
  • Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills
  • Strategic thinking with execution focus
  • Comfortable working with senior leadership, OEMs, and government entities

Behavioral Attributes

  • High ownership and accountability
  • Entrepreneurial mindset
  • Result-oriented and relationship-driven
  • Comfortable working in ambiguous and evolving environments
  • Integrity-driven, especially in defence-related engagements