Client Partner - Aerospace & Defense; Strategic Accounts​/Engineering Services

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is growing and looking to add a Sales Client Partner to drive and sustain profitable growth for our strategic accounts in Aerospace and Defense Programs.

US Citizenship is required and the role must be located in Cincinnati, OH.

As a Sales Client Partner, you will lead business development, scale and penetrate assigned accounts, seeding innovative ideas contributing to customers digital and engineering initiatives. You will build and nurture strong customer relationships, consult on sustainable relevant solutions, and manage overall revenue and profit responsibilities for existing accounts, while contributing to the growth of the Virtual Business Unit (VBU).

• Client Relationship Management
  :
  Build trust and strong partnerships with client personnel at all levels, leveraging relationships to position the company as a preferred partner.
• Business Development
  :
  Drive the opportunity management cycle (Prospect‑Evaluate‑Propose‑Close) to grow revenue, expand into new services, and enhance account engagement through strategic campaigns.
• Strategic Account Planning
  :
  Develop and execute account strategies, including SWOT analysis, growth identification, and competitive reviews, to guide investment and resource allocation.
• Customer Engagement and Communication
  :
  Conduct regular customer reviews, deliver branded communications, and ensure proactive and transparent communication aligned with client needs.
• Solution Selling
  :
  Collaborate with delivery teams to propose tailored solutions, leveraging cross‑sell and up‑sell opportunities to enhance customer value.
• Account Operations and Governance
  :
  Oversee the entire account lifecycle, including strategic pricing, proposal development, forecasting, and billing rate negotiations to ensure profitability and operational excellence.
• Team Leadership and Development
  :
  Lead sales and delivery teams in a matrixed environment, fostering collaboration, guiding professional growth, and aligning efforts to strategic objectives.
• Market and Revenue Strategy
  :
  Analyze competitive landscapes, structure large deals, and drive revenue growth through strategic investments, pricing strategies, and innovative business models.
• Expanding Client Partnerships
  :
  Identify opportunities to expand into new geographies, divisions, or services, ensuring alignment with the client’s evolving needs and strategic goals.

• 10+ years in sales, relationship, or account management, managing accounts worth $8–$10M+ in the Aerospace or Defense Industry.
• Bachelor’s Degree (MBA or advanced account management training preferred).
• Strong engineering and digital solutions knowledge, including product life‑cycle expertise.
• Experience with lifecycle engineering services, including embedded software and systems engineering, firmware, mechanical and structural design and analysis, manufacturing and software/hardware support.
• Domain knowledge in Aerosystems (Nav, Avionics, braking, power, mission computers), Aero Engines (controls, HMS, sensors), and Aircraft and Spacecraft (HMS, system integration, etc.).
• General knowledge of Commercial and MIL standards such as DO‑178, DO‑278, DO‑254, Mil Std 882, ARINC 652, FACE, and MOSA.
• Experience with 3rd party outsourcing and Supply Chain/Vendor Management Systems.
• Proven experience in business development, proposal creation, and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Expertise in selling processes, pricing, negotiation, and long‑term contract agreements.
• Established relationships with senior/mid‑level technical managers and decision‑makers.
• US Citizenship Requirement.
• Skills and Competencies
  • Results‑driven, analytical, and self‑motivated with the ability to work independently.
  • Decisive thinker with strong networking and relationship‑building abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly competitive environment, consistently outperforming goals and delivering results with a winning attitude.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; effective in executive‑level presentations.
  • Proficient in strategic planning, CRM tools, and sales strategy execution.
  • Maintains focus and persistence in challenging situations, with…