Business Development Director - Mea Uxs

AeroVironment is seeking a Business Development Director for the Middle East to identify and drive the growth of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) sales.

• *About the Role:**

You will lead strategic and tactical business development efforts, focusing on capturing new business and supporting existing customers across the Middle East. This role demands deep regional expertise, robust customer relationships, and a proven track record in defense and security sales.

• *Key Responsibilities:**
• Develop and execute comprehensive capture plans and strategies to achieve sales growth in alignment with AV strategic goals.
• Identify and qualify new government and civil business opportunities for UAS and autonomous systems in the region.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, gathering intelligence on customer structures, competition, and funding sources.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers at all levels.
• Identify, evaluate, and establish strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and representations to support international growth.
• Manage sales forecasting, Annual Operating Plan (AOP) development, tracking, and reporting.
• Navigate complex foreign material sales (FMS), direct commercial sales (DCS), export licensing (ITAR/EAR), and FCPA regulations, interfacing with pertinent US and foreign government channels.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to organize and support trade shows, flight demonstrations, training, and customer service visits.
• *Required Qualifications:**
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a relevant discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 12 years of successful business development experience, specifically within the Middle East region, with a proven ability to understand and meet customer requirements.
• Profound knowledge of Middle Eastern geopolitics, cultural attributes, and operational needs related to autonomous systems.
• **Proficiency in Arabic language is required.**
• Demonstrated expertise in writing proposals and securing contracts.
• Strong track record of successful UAS sales to defense and security entities in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• Experience with FMS, DCS, export licensing requirements, FCPA regulations, and government liaison.
• **Must currently reside in the Middle East region.**
• Valid driver's license and clean DMV record.
• Ability to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice.
• **U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or asylee/refugee status is required due to ITAR compliance.**
• *Desired Skills & Competencies:**
• Strong business development acumen, negotiation, strategic planning, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and CRM tools.
• *Compensation & Benefits:**
• **Salary Range:** $139,371 - $197,400 annually.
• **Benefits:** Excellent package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and paid holiday shutdown.