Our firm has been retained to help in the search for a Director of Business Development for a Fortune 500 company that is a global supplier of systems and services to the aerospace, defense and homeland security markets.  With annual revenues of $6.4B, our client is headquartered in North Carolina and employs more than 24,000 people worldwide in approximately 90 facilities across 16 countries.

Our client offers an extensive range of products, systems and services for aircraft and engine manufacturers, airlines and defense forces around the world.  The company’s transformation into one of the world’s largest aerospace companies has been driven by strategic acquisitions and internal growth fueled by innovation and quality.  From aerostructures and actuation systems to landing gear, engine control systems, sensors and safety systems, our client’s products are on almost every aircraft in the world.

Reporting to the Vice President of Business Development and Tax, the Director will:

•   work closely with CEO, CFO, top management and division Presidents on M&A activities;
•   direct and oversee M&A activities from initiation through closing and provide support of the post-acquisition/post-divestiture integration efforts and activities;
•   make recommendations in every aspect of the entire transaction from beginning to end and conduct multiple concurrent engagements and supporting deal-related activities; and
•   develop and implement the Enterprise-wide growth strategy with senior management and support the CFO in the evaluation of corporate financial strategies.

Candidate qualifications include:

•   a minimum of ten years’ professional experience, a significant portion of which will be in business development and acquisition; candidates could come from M&A firms, investment banks, growth consulting firms, or business development departments; knowledge of the aerospace industry, while not a requirement, is a strong plus;

•   a strategic orientation and broad-gauged business skills; must be intelligent, driven, a self-starter, and a results-oriented leader who is capable of advancing within the organization;

•   hands-on transaction experience; must be capable of quarterbacking and closing a handful of deals without a large staff; will have demonstrated an understanding of how to identify, prioritize, and approach targeted companies with relevance to our client’s strategic plans; will have the persuasiveness to sell our client as a business partner and the relationship-building skills to bring the seller along throughout the process;

•   financial acumen and strong analytical skills; will have demonstrated an ability to identify and develop unique market research; will be proficient in cash flow forecasting, and financial and operating modeling;

•   excellent communications and interpersonal skills; will be effective in building strong partnerships, credibility and consensus at all levels of the company; candidates must have self-confidence, a sense of humor, and a high energy level plus a low need for personal limelight;

•   will be effective in building strong partnerships and credibility at all levels of the company; and
 
•   solid educational credentials; a BA or BS from a highly regarded college or university; an MBA would be a plus.

This is an excellent opportunity with a company that has a rich history and an established reputation as a leading manufacturer of quality products.  An attractive compensation package will be assembled for the successful candidate.

Please contact resume3@sockwell.com to suggest potential candidates and/or networking sources or to express confidential personal interest.