Business Development Manager

Eleven Recruiting is searching for a Business Development Manager for one of our largest Aerospace and Defense clients sitting onsite in El Monte, CA. Our client is a leading manufacturer of metallic and composite flight hardware and sub-assemblies supporting the space, missile, and hypersonic markets.This position serves as a key strategic role—partnering directly with executive leadership to define capture strategies, lead proposal execution, and deliver compliant, competitive, and technically credible bids for both government and commercial programs. The successful candidate will operate at the intersection of business development, contracts, and engineering, ensuring every pursuit strengthens the company’s market position and long-term growth.ResponsibilitiesCapture & Proposal StrategyLead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex proposal efforts across high-value defense and space opportunities.Shape capture strategies and win themes aligned with company strengths in precision machining, composites, and large-structure assemblies.Partner cross-functionally to define technical and pricing solutions that meet customer and contractual requirements.Ensure proposals adhere to all RFP instructions, evaluation criteria, and FAR/DFARS compliance standards.Facilitate gate reviews, bid/no-bid decisions, and post-submission debriefs.Proposal Management & ExecutionManage proposal schedules, resource allocation, and review milestones to ensure timely and compliant submissions.Oversee the preparation, review, and finalization of all technical, management, and cost volumes.Maintain strict configuration control of proposal artifacts and ensure data security for ITAR-controlled materials.Drive proposal consistency, clarity, and competitive messaging throughout all deliverables.Process Optimization & PerformanceStandardize proposal workflows and templates for RFI, ROM, and RFP responses.Establish performance metrics (Pwin, cycle time, compliance rate) and track continuous improvement initiatives.Capture lessons learned and integrate best practices across programs and divisions.Cross-Functional & Customer EngagementAct as a key liaison between executive leadership, program management, pricing, contracts, engineering, and legal teams.Interface directly with customers, primes, and strategic partners to clarify requirements and strengthen positioning.Maintain CRM accuracy and manage pipeline visibility for leadership reporting.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related technical field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.10+ years of progressive experience in proposal or capture management within the aerospace, defense, or government contracting sector.Expert knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and related government acquisition regulations.Demonstrated experience leading end-to-end proposal development for complex defense programs exceeding $50M in value.Proven success developing competitive capture strategies, defining win themes, and managing proposal teams under tight deadlines.Deep understanding of manufacturing, composites, or precision-machined components supporting missiles, launch vehicles, or hypersonic systems.Strong command of pricing strategy, cost volume development, and compliance documentation.Exceptional leadership, communication, and executive-level presentation skills.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and collaboration tools (Teams, Smartsheet, or similar).Active or eligible for U.S. security clearance strongly preferred.Salary: $150,000 - $180,000