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Director of Strategic Business Growth - Defense Sector

Location: 

US

Job ID:  54702
Category:  Sales and Business development

Stratasys is a world leader in 3D printing!

Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, consumer products, and healthcare. Through smart and connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and parts on demand, Stratasys provides competitive advantages across the entire product value chain.

The world’s most advanced organizations turn to Stratasys to transform product development, enhance manufacturing agility, and modernize mission-critical capabilities.

The Director of Strategic Business Growth – Defense Sector is responsible for identifying, developing, and capturing new business opportunities across the U.S. Department of War (DoW), allied military organizations, defense contractors, OEMs, and systems integrators. This role leads the creation and execution of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), manages senior customer relationships, and positions Stratasys solutions for long-term strategic defense market growth. The ideal candidate combines deep defense ecosystem knowledge with strong business development leadership, capture management expertise, and cross-functional collaboration.

What you will be doing

Strategic & Business Development 

  • Develop and execute the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) to achieve defense market growth targets.
  • Identify, pursue, and secure new defense opportunities with U.S. military entities, defense contractors, and federal agencies.
  • Manage full lifecycle business development—from initial engagement through needs analysis, proposal development, negotiations, and contract award.
  • Conduct market analysis, opportunity assessments, and identify future defense platforms for long-term company growth.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement 

  • Build trusted relationships with DoW stakeholders, acquisition leaders, program managers, and PEO offices.
  • Strengthen relationships with OEMs, integrators, and defense industry partners to expand strategic influence and capture opportunities.
  • Present compelling business cases, technical value propositions, and capability briefs to procurement officials and senior government leaders.
  • Map customer organizational structures and decision-making processes to guide tailored engagement strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

  • Work closely with product management, engineering, and program teams to align solutions with defense customer needs.
  • Partner with marketing and proposal teams to develop capture strategies, proposal materials, and presentations.
  • Collaborate with global and regional business teams to ensure consistent defense-sector go-to-market execution.
  • Provide customer and competitive insights to drive product development, pricing strategy, and portfolio positioning.

Compliance & Ethical Conduct 

  • Ensure all contracting and business development activities comply with ITAR, FAR, DFARS, and all Stratasys ethics and export control policies.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of all customer engagements, proposal submissions, and contract actions.
  • Uphold the highest professional standards when engaging with DoW, military commands, and industry stakeholders.

Must haves for this role

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field
  • 7–10 years of business development or capture management experience in the defense or government contracting sector.
  • Proven track record managing DoW or federal government accounts and winning new programs.
  • Strong understanding of U.S. Government acquisition, procurement, and contracting processes.
  • Experience working with ITAR, FAR, and DFARS compliance.
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills.
  • U.S. person status (citizen or lawful permanent resident under ITAR).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Nice to have

  • 20+ years of experience serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or Department of War.
  • Master’s degree in Business or technical field preferred.
  • Experience as a strategist or operational planner (e.g., Joint Planner, Service Strategist).
  • Familiarity working within major DoW and Service commands, research labs, logistics and sustainment commands, and capability development centers.
  • Experience collaborating with Program Executive Offices (PEOs), Program Managers, and modernization stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of unmanned and autonomous systems (air, ground, maritime, space) and advanced technology integration efforts.
  • Experience supporting Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, and Defense Agencies on modernization or experimentation initiatives.

Travel Requirements:

  • 25–30%, domestic with occasional international travel

What you will be part of

Stratasys is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

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