Senior Director, Sales

Description

The Senior Director, Sales - AERO International is a senior commercial leadership role with full accountability for order intake and revenue performance for AERO International. This position leads AERO global sales and business development efforts, driving growth through the expansion of licensed manufacturing and MRO opportunities, the formation of long-term OEM partnerships, and the stewardship of key customer relationships.

In addition to leading and developing commercial teams, the Senior Director is responsible for the strategic management of AERO International’s primary OEM partners, ensuring alignment on growth objectives and long-term value creation. The role will be an active member of the AMS Leadership team and reports to the AMS Group Chief Revenue Officer, with a matrixed reporting relationship to the Chief Executive Officer.

This position is based in either Alexandria, VA or Torrance, CA and requires up to 50% travel.

Job Description / Duties and Responsibilities 

· Own and execute AERO International’s long-term commercial growth strategy with full accountability for order intake and revenue performance. 

· Lead and direct all sales and business development activities, including licensed manufacturing and MRO growth initiatives, strategic partnerships, and key customer engagement. 

· Provide executive leadership and accountability for the AERO pre-award organization, including business development and account management functions. 

· Drive disciplined opportunity management through compliance with AMS standards for pipeline development, proposal execution, pursuit governance, and conversion performance. 

· Build, lead, and develop a high-performing commercial team, fostering a culture of accountability, professional development, and succession readiness. 

· Serve as executive owner of AERO International’s primary strategic OEM partnerships, ensuring long-term alignment, growth execution, and value creation. 

· Collaborate with and support growth priorities across other AMS businesses, promoting enterprise alignment and cross-portfolio opportunity development. 

· Represent and advocate AERO customer and partner interests within the broader AMS organization. 

· Partner closely with internal stakeholders and shared services, including Engineering, Program Management, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Group-level functions. 

· Actively participate as a senior member of the AMS Leadership Team, contributing to overall enterprise strategy and performance. 

· Represent AERO International with customers, OEM partners, and industry stakeholders, including participation in key meetings, negotiations, and industry events. 

· Travel as required (up to 50%) to support customer engagement, business development activities, and strategic partnerships.

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements

· Demonstrated executive-level commercial leadership mindset with the ability to balance near-term execution and long-term strategic growth objectives. 

· Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop commercial teams, with a demonstrated record of team and career development. 

· Strong executive communication skills, capable of influencing internally at the senior leadership level and externally with OEMs, customers, and partners. 

· Expertise in managing complex sales cycles and multiple strategic pursuits simultaneously, with disciplined prioritization and execution. 

· Results-oriented leader with strong critical thinking, negotiation, and decision-making capabilities. 

· Strategic curiosity and market insight, with the ability to translate customer requirements, platform knowledge, and market trends into executable growth opportunities. 

· Proficiency leveraging CRM systems and analytics to drive pipeline rigor, forecast accuracy, and commercial performance.

· Effective communicator to enable collaboration – both to motivate and lead internal teams and drive conversion of customer opportunities. 

Education and Experience Requirements

· A minimum of 10+ years of progressive commercial experience with proven results in leadership, business development and sales required, preferably in the defense sector.

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

· Experience leading an integrated sales team in a complex trading environment

· Proven ability to utilize a CRM tool effectively to drive productivity and improve customer experience

· Extensive experience working with US military requirements, acquisition processes, and operational agencies

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of tools

· Able to regularly visit key divisions customers

· Willing and able to work extended hours when necessary

Preferred:

· Technical sales/business development

· Military background

· Background/experience with defense OEMs and related platforms