Supplier Business Development Principal

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Florida.

📋 Description

• Develop, implement, and take ownership of the enterprise strategy for supplier business development, translating corporate growth goals into a multi-year roadmap for Distribution and MRO initiatives.

• Provide strategic advice and direction to executive leadership regarding supplier portfolio positioning, identifying white-space opportunities, and making long-term market entry decisions.

• Establish and oversee standards, processes, playbooks, and success criteria for identifying, qualifying, and advancing supplier opportunities.

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of high-value supplier partners, including OEMs and tier-one suppliers.

• Build and maintain executive-level supplier relationships as the senior representative and trusted advisor for VSE.

• Drive complex new business campaigns involving multiple stakeholders and align resources, milestones, and commercial objectives.

• Develop negotiation strategies and lead significant negotiations for distribution and MRO agreements.

• Oversee financial modeling and business case development encompassing revenue, margins, inventory investment, working capital, and operating costs.

• Present, advocate for, and secure approval for major supplier opportunities before senior executives and investment decision-makers.

• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and Contracts teams to structure agreements that mitigate enterprise risk.

• Analyze market intelligence, competitor activities, fleet forecasts, and supply availability to refine the supplier growth strategy.

• Provide guidance, coaching, mentorship, and technical supervision to business development managers and analysts.

• Work collaboratively with Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, and Program Management to transition awarded programs into steady-state execution.

• Define, monitor, and report KPIs for the supplier business development pipeline.

• Represent VSE at industry events, trade shows, conferences, and executive supplier reviews.

• Advocate for continuous improvement of tools, systems, talent development, and organizational capabilities.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, aviation management, engineering, or a related field, or an additional 3 years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree.

• 10 years of experience in supplier business development, strategic sourcing, commercial business development, or supplier management, with significant experience in the aviation or aerospace sector.

• 7-9 years of leadership experience.

• Proven track record of developing and implementing enterprise-level growth strategies that have delivered measurable revenue and margin outcomes.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex, high-value commercial negotiations, including sole-source and multi-year distribution and MRO agreements.

• Executive presence with a history of engaging and influencing C-suite, board-level, and supplier executive audiences.

• Expert knowledge in aviation parts distribution, MRO operations, and aftermarket supply chains.

• Proven ability to mentor and supervise experienced professionals, whether through direct reporting or matrixed leadership.

• Ability to exercise considerable latitude and independent judgment on significant matters with minimal guidance.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 60% of the time.

• Demonstrated capability to communicate effectively with executives, customers, and suppliers in a professional, persuasive, and clear manner.

• Successful in resolving ambiguous, high-stakes problems in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

• Ability to lead and prioritize multiple concurrent strategic initiatives to meet enterprise objectives and deadlines.

• Capacity to develop and implement effective strategies, structures, and operating models that enhance workflow, governance, and organizational efficiency.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and scheduling applications.

• Skilled in directing and coordinating the activities of others, fostering mutual trust, respect, and collaboration among team members and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Ability to work effectively and autonomously in a fully remote environment.

• Preferred: Master’s degree or MBA.

• Preferred: 15+ years of progressive operational, commercial, or business development experience.

• Preferred: 10+ years of leadership experience, including direct supervision of professional staff.

• Preferred: 10+ years in the aviation or aerospace industry.

• Established network of OEM and supplier executive relationships within the aviation aftermarket.

• Experience in building and scaling a supplier business development function, including processes, tools, and talent.

• Experience with P&L ownership or management of a substantial capital or inventory investment portfolio.

• Familiarity with preparing commercial invoices, filing AES, and knowledge of customs regulations and U.S. export rules and regulations.

• Knowledge of Quantum Control Software.

• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and/or AS9120.

• Selected applicant will be subject to a background check and drug testing.

🏝️ Benefits

• Domestic and international travel required up to 60% of the time.

• Opportunity to transition into a supervisory role with direct reports based on business needs.