Director of Sales - Defense / Advanced Materials
This key position serves as the primary market and strategy advisor, developing growth and retention strategies in partnership with the Business Unit Leader. The Director will provide direction and support to global executive management in identifying growth opportunities within and beyond the current product portfolio, determining required investments, and planning long-term initiatives to achieve strategic objectives.
The ideal candidate demonstrates experience in defense materials, armor systems, or ammunition programs, including AP (armor-piercing) ammunition and possesses a solid network within the ammunition and defense materials space. They also have a working knowledge of the Defense acquisition lifecycles, other federal procurement processes, and the different contract types utilized for both commercial and non-commercial items, including the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Department of Defense Acquisition Regulation supplement (DFARs).
Key Responsibilities
- Define, develop, and deploy market, customer, and competitive strategies to attract, win, and retain profitable growth
- Develop regional growth strategies using financial analysis to optimize planning, resource allocation, and operations
- Implement regional sales plans and performance goals to increase sales volumes and profit margins
- Provide regular updates to executive leadership on business performance, profitability, and growth initiatives
- Manage executive customer relationships to enhance solution capabilities and value
- Leverage market and competitive insights to influence strategic decisions and identify key stakeholders
- Develop and deliver annual operating plans and quota inputs in collaboration with peers and leadership
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, customer service, consulting, and analytics teams
- Lead, mentor, and develop the regional sales team, cultivating future sales leaders
- Utilize CRM tools to manage pipeline, track customer activity, and monitor performance
- Direct completion of sales training modules and structured selling programs
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering (MBA preferred)
- 8–10 years in related industries or advanced materials, with 2–4+ years of sales experience
- Previous military or law enforcement experience preferred
- Able to obtain Secret-level U.S. DoD clearance
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in defense materials, armor systems, or ammunition programs, including AP (armor-piercing) ammunition
- Working knowledge of the Defense acquisition lifecycles, federal procurement, and contract types for both commercial and non-commercial items, including FAR and DFARS compliance
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, including listening, relationship-building, negotiation, and communication
Skills
- Data-driven, results-oriented, and strategic thinker
- Ability to operate in dynamic, high-risk environments
- Strong business acumen and financial understanding
- Skilled at interpreting market trends and proactively mitigating risks
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those qualified individuals who closely meet the qualifications of the position will be contacted. The details of the position are only a summary, other duties may be assigned as necessary.
Background Check and Drug Screen may be required.
Pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Talascend also offers a variety of benefits including: health and disability insurance, 401(k), EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, plan requirements, schedule type, and client work site mandates.
Talascend is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.