Business Development Director, Land Systems

Job Overview

Saab, Inc. is seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Director to develop and execute strategic market and product line business plans to support sales and growth in our Land Systems division. This role is responsible for identifying volume and strategic customers, developing partnerships, and informing and supporting Saab's long-term business strategy.

The ideal candidate brings strong analytical, strategic, and relationship-building skills to identify new opportunities, shape customer requirements, and build Saab's value proposition across key markets. This position can be located out of our Washington, D.C., or Auburn Hills, MI, offices. Travel to major hubs in Huntsville, AL and Picatinny, NJ will be required.

• Develop and execute strategic market and product line business plans to drive growth and competitive positioning within the Land Systems division.
• Lead strategic engagement with Army innovation hubs—including traditional R&D centers and rapid development/fielding initiatives—to identify emerging opportunities, build early relationships, and shape the technical art of the possible across Land Systems capability areas, ensuring alignment between evolving Army modernization needs and the company's capabilities.
• Shape long‑term Army and land‑systems requirements and capability planning by positioning the company early in the decision cycle, influencing acquisition pathways, and strengthening trusted‑partner relationships across commands and key divisions.
• Drive business development activities with a beyond‑the‑horizon focus, ensuring early insight into future requirements and modernization trends.
• Analyze market data, identify trends, and assess the competitive landscape to inform strategic direction.
• Shape new business opportunities through customer intelligence and market insight.
• Define and communicate Saab's value proposition to customers and partners.
• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders to influence customer requirements and future opportunities.
• Align Saab's product portfolio and technology investments with market needs and customer missions.
• Support capture efforts and proposal development by identifying deal challenges, shaping win strategies, and integrating compelling themes.
• Conduct partnership, make‑vs‑buy, and joint‑venture analyses to support strategic decision‑making.

Washington, D.C. location: $252,200–$340,400

Auburn Hills, MI location: $210,100–$283,700

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in business development, capture management, or strategic sales within the defense or aerospace sector; experience in land systems, ground‑based combat, or weapons and missile systems preferred.
• Proven experience developing and executing business development strategies focused on early‑stage engagement with land systems innovation initiatives—identifying emerging opportunities, cultivating key stakeholder relationships, and aligning offerings with Army and other land system customer modernization trends.
• Demonstrated experience influencing defense‑sector requirements development and long‑range capability planning, including the ability to position solutions strategically within acquisition pathways and shape customer demand.
• Demonstrated success leading complex capture efforts from opportunity identification through proposal submission.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with expertise in market analysis, pricing, and competitive assessments.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with senior customer stakeholders and industry partners.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively across cross‑functional and geographically dispersed teams.
• Ability to obtain a…