VP, Business Development

Join Skyryse: Lead the Future of Flight as VP of Business Development

At Skyryse, we’re not just building aircraft; we’re pioneering a new era of flight. Imagine a world where air travel is safer, simpler, and accessible to everyone. That’s the future we’re creating with SkyOS, our revolutionary universal operating system for flight, and Skyryse One, our groundbreaking aircraft unveiled in 2024. Located in El Segundo, California, we are seeking a visionary VP of Business Development to help us realize this ambitious vision.

About the Role

As our VP of Business Development, reporting directly to the CEO, you will be instrumental in shaping and executing our growth strategy. You’ll lead a dynamic team, forging strategic partnerships, driving market expansion, engaging with government entities, and identifying exciting new revenue streams. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your deep industry expertise and extensive network to cultivate strong, mutually beneficial relationships across both the private and public sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Business Development Efforts: Spearhead the identification, pursuit, and closure of new business opportunities, with a focus on the domestic and international DoD, OEM, and commercial markets.
• Develop and Execute Sales Strategy: Craft and implement a comprehensive sales strategy to drive revenue growth and market penetration, informed by meticulous industry research and analysis.
• Build Strategic Partnerships: Serve as the primary point of contact for DoD and OEM partners, fostering strong, strategic relationships that align with their objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain strategic connections with key commercial and DoD stakeholders, leveraging insights to tailor solutions that meet their specific needs.
• Secure Defense Contracts: Lead initiatives to secure defense contracts, aligning efforts with DoD acquisition strategies and priorities.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Provide expert guidance on regulatory and compliance matters specific to defense contracting, ensuring full adherence to relevant standards and mitigating risk.
• Champion Skyryse’s Vision: Promote and advocate for our products and services, positioning Skyryse as a trusted and reliable partner in both commercial and defense markets.
• Market Analysis: Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive threats, and new growth opportunities.
• Strategic Collaboration: Participate in strategic business meetings, provide regular updates to key internal stakeholders, and collaborate cross-functionally to evaluate partnership opportunities and negotiate beneficial agreements.
• Proposal Development: Lead major proposal development efforts, coordinating closely with the senior management team to ensure successful submissions.
• Team Leadership: Continuously monitor and enhance team performance, implementing strategies to improve productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

• Professional degree with 10+ years of relevant business development experience in the Aerospace & Defense sector.
• Experience in both domestic and international markets.
• Demonstrated knowledge of business and sales growth techniques.
• Proven track record of success in business development roles within the aviation industry, with specific experience selling to commercial customers, OEMs, and defense contractors.
• Deep understanding of the aerospace ecosystem, including knowledge of OEMs, suppliers, and regulatory frameworks.
• 5+ years of direct experience working with DoD contracts.
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and credibility with external partners and internal stakeholders.
• Proven leadership experience, with a track record of effectively leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Flexibility to travel as needed to meet with partners and attend industry events.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence key decision makers at all levels of an organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in managing sales or marketing teams.
• Experience with DoD program office activities.
• Deep understanding of commercial aviation, aerospace supply chain, or flight operations.
• Degree in Business, Marketing, or Finance.
• Background working with government or defense agencies (NASA, FAA, etc.).
• Experience working in the public sector.
• Experience serving in one branch of the military (Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, or Army).

Why Choose Skyryse?

• The unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of flight safety and accessibility.
• A valuable stock option plan, aligning your success with the company’s growth.
• Heavily subsidized medical, dental, and vision plans to support your well-being.
• Generous paid time off (20 days) and sick leave (5 days) to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• A dynamic and ambitious work environment, surrounded by a team of smart, motivated, and fun-loving colleagues.

Salary Range: $250,000 – $350,000 annually. Compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, job-related skills, experience, and internal equity, and includes equity and benefits.

Diversity & Inclusion

Skyryse is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Please note: Agency candidates will not be considered.