Channel Sales Director, ADG

ABOUT WIND RIVER 

Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.  

Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company’s software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world.  Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We’ve achieved recent 5G milestones including the world’s first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone. 

The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a “Top Workplace” for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world. 

About the Role

Wind River is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Channel Sales Leader to drive, enable, and scale bookings and revenue across our Aerospace, Defense, and Government (ADG) markets through strategic and high-value partnerships.

This leader will own the strategy and execution of our ADG channel ecosystem globally, with a heavy focus on the U.S. and EMEA markets. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in the U.S. Government and Defense industry, a strong understanding of government procurement and contracting processes, and a proven ability to build high-performing partner networks that drive measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the global ADG channel sales strategy, focusing on accelerating bookings, expanding market coverage, and increasing revenue contribution through partners.
• Identify, recruit, and develop strategic partnerships with System Integrators, Distributors and VARs, and Federal/Defense contractors that align with Wind River’s ADG growth goals.
• Lead joint business planning and enablement with top-tier partners to drive pipeline creation, solution alignment, and market differentiation.
• Collaborate with the Global ADG Leadership Team, WRX Proxy, and Functional Leaders (Legal, Finance, Product, Marketing, Operations) to ensure alignment, compliance, and unified execution.

Business Development & Growth

• Drive partner-originated and partner-influenced pipeline across U.S. and EMEA ADG accounts.
• Lead negotiations and structuring of channel agreements, incentive programs, and revenue-sharing models.
• Build programs that expand partner technical competency and sales capability around Wind River’s portfolio (VxWorks, Linux, Simics, Wind River Studio).
• Lead or co-sell into top strategic accounts and programs in collaboration with partners and field sales teams.

Operational Excellence

• Own pipeline quality and forecast accuracy for ADG channel-driven business, ensuring clear visibility of bookings and revenue contribution.
• Implement repeatable partner enablement frameworks including certification, co-marketing, and joint pursuit programs.
• Identify annual investment required and build the case for internal approval.  Adjust strategy and plans, promotions and incentives quarterly or otherwise as essential to generate return on investment.
• Ensure compliance with all U.S. government and export control regulations, working closely with Legal and Compliance teams.
• Champion a culture of outcome-based selling, customer obsession, and execution exce