Business Development Manager
Position Title: Business Development ManagerJob Family: Business DevelopmentCompany: PaligenLocation: Tampa, FL. (On site)Position SummaryThe Business Development Manager – Paligen Chemical is responsible for driving growth and strategic expansion of the company’s defense chemicals portfolio, including propellants, explosives, specialty chemicals, intermediates, and related technologies. The role focuses on identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with defense agencies, prime contractors, and OEMs, and securing long-term contracts in compliance with US and foreign government’s defense regulations and export controls.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Business DevelopmentIdentify and pursue new business opportunities within defense and military chemical markets.Pursue new business opportunities in defense markets where finished products are supplied utilizing existing capacity to produce energetic materials. Develop and execute growth strategies aligned with company objectives.Monitor global defense spending trends, procurement programs, and emerging requirements.Map key stakeholders across Department of War, Ministries of Defense, armed forces, and defense prime contractors.Customer & Relationship ManagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with defense agencies, procurement bodies, , and defense contractors.Serve as primary commercial interface for defense customers.Lead negotiations for long-term supply agreements and strategic partnerships.Tender & Proposal ManagementIdentify and track RFPs, RFIs, and defense tenders via personal relationships with existing customers, development of relationships with new customers and SAM.gov/ GovWin and other tools.Coordinate cross-functional teams (engineering, production, regulatory, quality, finance) for proposal development.Prepare commercial product proposals for defense related customers, ensuring compliance with defense standards and export/security protocols, as applicable.Technical & Regulatory AlignmentWork closely with technical teams to align product capabilities with military specifications.Ensure compliance with ITAR, export control regulations, hazardous materials handling, and defense certifications.Support product qualification, testing, and approval processes with defense authorities.Market Intelligence & Competitive AnalysisConduct market research on defense chemicals, energetic materials, and specialty defense formulations.Analyze competitor positioning, pricing strategies, and contract awards.Identify emerging technologies and potential acquisition or partnership targets.Identify budget data using P-forms and other government databases.Internal CollaborationCollaborate with manufacturing to ensure production capacity alignment with contract commitments.Coordinate with supply chain for secure sourcing of needed raw materials.Support leadership with business forecasts, pipeline reporting, and strategic planning.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)New contract awards and revenue growthBid win ratioExpansion into new defense programs or geographiesStrategic partnerships establishedPipeline development and conversion rateQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or related field (required) or equivalent experienceMBA or equivalent business qualification (preferred)5–10 years of experience in business development, sales, or program managementMinimum 5 years in defense chemicals, energetic materials, propellants, explosives, or related sectorsExperience working with defense procurement processes and government contractingUnderstanding of military specifications (MIL-STD)Knowledge of energetic materials, specialty chemicals, and hazardous materials complianceFamiliarity with export control laws and defense regulationsStrong negotiation and contract management skillsStrategic thinking and market analysis capabilityExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsHigh integrity and ability to handle sensitive informationAbility to work in complex regulatory environmentsProject management and cross-functional leadershipOther Requirements:Travel: ~30–50% (Domestic & International).Work Environment: Office work environment.Background Investigation / Drug Screen / US Person: Required.We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.