Business Development Associate

Job Title: Business Development Associate Job Description This role functions as a hybrid Business Development Manager and Product Line Manager position supporting and managing three maritime-focused product lines with significant annual revenue. You will focus on customer relationship management, proposal and quoting support, business development activities, and cross-functional coordination to drive revenue growth and profitability.

Acting as a key liaison between customers and internal teams such as Quality, Purchasing, Contracts, Operations, and Leadership, you will help shape product line growth strategies and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. Responsibilities Support business development efforts and contribute to sustained revenue growth across multiple product lines. Manage and strengthen customer relationships for three maritime-focused product lines, serving as a primary point of contact.

Support quote generation and manage RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, ensuring timely and accurate responses to customer requests. Coordinate proposal activities in collaboration with internal stakeholders to deliver compelling and compliant submissions. Work closely with Quality, Purchasing, Contracts, and Operations teams to align customer requirements with internal capabilities. Manage order entry processes and set clear customer delivery expectations to ensure on-time and accurate fulfillment.

Conduct regular customer visits and capture voice-of-customer feedback to inform product improvements and growth strategies. Support revenue forecasting activities and profitability initiatives, leveraging data to guide business decisions. Assist in developing and executing product line growth strategies in alignment with broader business objectives. Collaborate with manufacturer’s representatives and distributors to expand market reach and support sales efforts.

Engage in prospecting, cold calling, and both inside and outside sales activities as needed to develop new business. Provide customer-focused service and sales support, ensuring technical questions and issues are addressed promptly. Participate in trade shows and industry events to represent the product lines, build relationships, and identify new opportunities. Coordinate with multiple internal departments to ensure seamless communication and execution of customer projects.

Essential Skills Proven business development, sales, or strategic account management experience in a technical or industrial environment. Experience as a Product Line Manager or Program Manager with significant customer-facing responsibilities. Experience in manufacturing, electrical, electronics, aerospace, defense, or similar technical products. Hands-on experience supporting RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, proposals, and quoting activities.

Familiarity with government contracts and an understanding of defense customers and their requirements. Experience working with distributors and manufacturer’s representatives in a sales or business development capacity. Revenue forecasting and profitability management experience, including the ability to interpret and act on financial data. ERP system experience, including order entry and coordination of customer deliveries.

Strong relationship-building skills and customer communication abilities, both written and verbal. Ability to discuss technical products and solutions with customers in a clear and confident manner. Experience coordinating with multiple internal departments such as Quality, Purchasing, Contracts, Operations, and Leadership. Customer service orientation with a focus on responsiveness, follow-through, and long-term relationship development.

High school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in the aerospace and defense industry, particularly with government contract exposure. Experience in outside sales, inside sales, technical sales, or sales management. Project management experience, including man