Director of Business Development
Job title: Director of Business Development in Hampton, VA at Barker Staffing Solutions LLC
Company: Barker Staffing Solutions LLC
Job description: Job Title: Business Development Manager - Defense VerticalLocation: Virginia (Remote Option Available)Role Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic and driven Business Development Manager (BDM) to lead our efforts in expanding Liberty Source's market presence within the U.S. defense sector, with a primary focus on AI-driven applications in autonomous systems, generative AI, and predictive analytics. This individual will work directly with defense contractors, subcontractors, and tech companies to develop strategic partnerships and drive business growth. Must have startup sales experience to thrive in this fast-paced, evolving environment.Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Market Development: Identify and develop business opportunities within the defense sector, focusing on U.S.-based defense contractors and subcontractors engaged in AI, autonomous systems, NLP, LLM, GenAI, and data-driven defense solutions.
- Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including data-driven decision-makers, program managers, and compliance officers in defense companies. Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and existing clients.
- Sales & Revenue Growth: Drive the sales pipeline through lead generation, account management, and closing new business. Focus on securing contracts for data preparation services such as data labeling, annotation, and model evaluation.
- Partnership Development: Identify and secure subcontracting opportunities with prime contractors involved in AI, autonomous systems, and other defense-related technology projects.
- Industry Expertise: Maintain a deep understanding of market trends, client needs, and regulatory compliance requirements in the defense sector. Leverage this knowledge to advise and guide clients on their data service needs and ensure that Liberty Source's offerings align with their goals.
- Sales Strategy Execution: Develop and execute sales strategies targeting key industry players, including large defense contractors, tech firms (e.g., Palantir, Anduril, AWS), and consulting firms (e.g., Booz Allen Hamilton, Accenture), focusing on long-term business growth and profitable partnerships.
- Collaborative Teamwork: Work closely with internal teams, including operations and delivery teams, to ensure project success and meet or exceed client expectations.
- 5+ years of business development experience in the defense sector, with a proven track record of securing and managing high-value contracts.
- Must have startup sales experience and the ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities in a fast-growing, evolving organization.
- Strong sales skills, with the ability to identify client needs, build relationships, and negotiate contracts. Experience in B2B sales within government contracting or the defense industry is an asset.
- Proven ability to develop and nurture relationships within the defense contractor and tech sectors, including defense hubs like Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, and California.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical solutions clearly and concisely.
- Knowledge of U.S. defense industry compliance standards and regulations, particularly around data handling and labor requirements.
- Demonstrated sales productivity skills (CRM, pipeline, forecasting) and comfort with software collaboration tools. Knowledge of MEDICC is a plus.
- Strategic thinking and market insight
- Sales pipeline management and deal closing
- Networking and relationship-building
- Knowledge of AI, autonomous systems, and predictive analytics
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- U.S. defense compliance knowledge
- Adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Startup sales experienceability to work in a growing organization and manage complex, high-value business opportunities.