American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets at the speed of need. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.
Job Summary:
Lead strategic growth initiatives across defense markets by aligning advanced mechanical system capabilities with government and military needs. This role is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and securing new business opportunities involving mechanical subsystems, integrated platforms, and engineered defense solutions. The director partners closely with engineering, program management, and executive leadership to shape capture strategies, develop competitive technical approaches, and ensure solutions meet DoD requirements and emerging mission demands.
Position will be located at one of American Rheinmetall's MI facilities: Lansing, Plymouth or Auburn Hills
Essential Functions:
- Develop, maintain and manage business development and sales pipeline for the organization.
- Develop strategies to strengthen relationships with new and existing customers and prepare customer‑focused presentations to support business growth.
- Supports sales/business development efforts at all AR locations
- Collaborate with internal teams—including product development, sales, and engineering—and external partners to create and execute manufacturing strategies, business plans, and operating models.
- Collaborate with customer Procurement, Engineering, Quality and Operations Teams on all technical aspects of the customer needs.
- Review customer Technical Data Packages and RFPs for proper business cases, prepare and submit proposal responses, and oversee contract reviews for quotations and purchase orders.
- Strives to ensure the profitability of both new and existing business.
- Engage with customers through calls, emails, texts, travel, virtual meetings, in‑person visits, conferences, and other communication platforms.
- Support the creation and implementation of long‑term contractual agreements.
- Manage customer certification and representation processes with defense organizations.
- Responsible for the order entry process and accuracy of ERP data. Including contract review and supporting the APQP kickoff process.
- Oversees weekly, monthly and annual Order Intake reporting
- Contributes to sales forecasting
- Ensure the team utilizes the CRM system to maintain reliable and organized customer data.
- Provide support to senior leadership in negotiations, contract development, due diligence activities, and other business initiatives.
- Lead internal efforts to improve performance tied to customer scorecards, including quality and delivery metrics.
- Lead the preparation and presentation of major pursuits during Gate Reviews.
- Prepare and deliver effective customer briefings.
- Coordinate bid strategies and proposal approaches with internal team members.
- Maintain an integrated business plan in collaboration with AR stakeholders and the broader Rheinmetall team.
- Manages direct government business processes for opportunity identification, quoting metrics, sources sought response metrics, monthly reporting on overall USG sale performance to budget, and invoicing.
- Manages capture activities for USG spares requirements to include preparation of quotes and proposals, review of cost and pricing data, and bid review and submission.
- Manages and supports contract and pricing negotiations with the government.
- Manages and supports direct government business opportunity identification via government bid sites
- Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and conferences to promote products and capabilities.
- Assist in developing marketing and promotional concepts for products.
- Ability to travel up to 50 percent of the time, including international travel.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by Management.
- Leads/Manages internal Sales Teams
- Ability to travel up to 50%, including short notice travel, and travel abroad mainly to Germany
- Expert knowledge of defense procurement practices and the DoD acquisition cycle
- Practical ‘hands on’ attitude with the ability to operate independently
- Print reading, CNC Machining/programming, structural fabrication, mechanical assembly and other manufacturing process experience required.
- 3D Modeling, GD&T knowledge is a plus
- Must be able to communicate effectively in a variety of settings and be able to assimilate complex instructions easily. Ability to communicate with all levels of management and staff to establish productive relationships. Superior consultation, diplomacy, influencing and negotiating skills is required. Must possess the ability to explain complex concepts in a way that makes sense to someone less knowledgeable about the topic.
- Must demonstrate an enthusiasm to engage with and support overseas colleagues to ensure all staff have the information and opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities.
- Must promote collaboration and facilitate teamwork across the organization and its external service providers. Must be tactful, diplomatic, and work with integrity, honesty, and respect for others.
- Must display exceptional listening and analytical skills to understand customer concerns and needs with the ability to respond promptly and effectively to those needs.
- Shall support and encourage performance by motivating individuals and teams to achieve high performance. Will clarify and define the goals and strategies of the organization and successfully communicate this to all. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to work effectively with the US team, suppliers, customers, and corporate parent staff.
- Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience, Masters preferred. Engineering knowledge preferred.
- 10+ years or more of business development/sales experience or commensurate experience in industry or military with targeted customers
- Capture planning experience including opportunity generation/validation, bid/no bid assessments, competitive assessments, and color team reviews
- Experience in organizing and preparing winning proposals
- Customer experience with existing contacts in relevant/comparable markets
- Experience working in a multi-national, multi-organizational environment
- Experience with engineering and supply chain management in a highly regulated industry
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
- Ability to stand for long periods
- Ability to travel up to 5% of the time. Occasional travel to Europe may be required.
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