Manager Business Development - Naval C5ISR Systems

Job ID: 113644 

The Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business provides leading naval computing infrastructure, network and data distribution and middleware enterprise services, as well as world-class manufacturing and support capabilities.

Job Summary

DRS Naval Electronics provides mission-critical naval electronics and integrated C5ISR solutions to naval and maritime customers worldwide. We design, integrate and sustain advanced systems that improve situational awareness, survivability and decision advantage at sea. We are seeking an experienced, results-oriented Business Development Manager to grow our naval C5ISR business and win complex defense opportunities.

The BD Manager — Naval C5ISR Systems will lead capture and proposal efforts, develop and maintain customer relationships, shape market strategies, and coordinate internal resources and industry partners to win new programs and expand existing accounts. This role requires deep domain knowledge of naval C5ISR architectures and acquisition processes, proven capture management skills, and the ability to translate technical capabilities into compelling solutions and executable win strategies.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead capture planning and execution for naval C5ISR opportunities (platforms may include surface ships, submarines, unmanned vessels, and shore installations).
• Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with DoD and naval customers, prime contractors, program offices, systems commands and end users.
• Generate pipeline, qualify opportunities, and drive pursuits from early shaping to contract award.
• Lead preparation of compliant, high-quality proposals, white papers, technical volume inputs, statements of work, staffing plans, cost/price strategies, and win themes.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (engineering, systems integration, program management, contracts, pricing, legal, supply chain) to develop integrated and executable solutions.
• Perform customer and market intelligence, competitor analysis, and capture risk assessments; recommend actionable mitigation strategies.
• Identify and build strategic teaming agreements and partnerships to enhance competitive position and meet solicitation requirements (teaming, subcontract, and JV arrangements).
• Track and report capture metrics, opportunity status and forecasts to BD leadership and senior management.
• Represent DRS at industry events, conferences and customer engagements; deliver persuasive briefings and demos.
• Ensure capture and proposal activities comply with procurement rules, export controls and company policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive business development, capture or sales experience in the defense industry with at least 4 years focused on naval C5ISR systems or closely related maritime electronics.
• Demonstrated success winning complex, multi-disciplinary DoD/US Navy contracts (experience with IDIQs, BPAs, task orders, and prime/sub relationships strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of C5ISR elements: command and control, tactical networks, sensors, EO/IR, radar, SIGINT, EW, cyber, system integration and platform interfaces.
• Proven capture management, proposal leadership and win strategy development skills.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, contracting vehicles, and procurement structures.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills; persuasive executive-level briefings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and manage cross-functional internal teams and external partners
• Willingness to travel (typically 25% - 40%; may vary by capture) as required.

Additional (Preferred) Qualifications

• Prior experience with naval systems integration, shipboard installations, or platform-specific C5ISR programs.
• Background in cyber, electronic warfare, autonomy, AI/ML applied to sensor fusion or mission systems.
• Experience with pricing strategies, cost proposals and negotiation support.
• Existing contacts within Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Program Executive Offices (PEOs), Office of Naval Research (ONR), NAVAIR, SPAWAR/PMW/USFFC or allied navies.
• CRM and capture tools experience (Salesforce, Deltek, GovWin, etc.).

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position if filled in the DC area ($120,000/year - $180,0