Description
Position Summary
The Business Development Director - U.S. Department of War Programs reports directly to the Sr Director of Business Development and serves as a senior leader supporting United States Department of War / Department of Defense organizations in the identification, development, and acquisition of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) supporting combat, reconnaissance, training, and force protection missions.
This role is focused on domestic U.S. Government customers, working directly with warfighters, program offices, acquisition authorities, and training commands to deliver mission-relevant capabilities. The position plays a critical role in shaping requirements, influencing acquisition strategies, and capturing new and follow-on U.S. Government programs in support of national defense priorities.
The Business Development Director operates as a trusted advisor to U.S. Government stakeholders and internal leadership, ensuring Red Cat Holdings' solutions align with validated military requirements, operational CONOPS, and U.S. acquisition pathways.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Engage directly with U.S. Department of War / Department of Defense stakeholders, including operational units, training commands, and acquisition organizations, to understand mission requirements and operational challenges
Shape and influence U.S. military CONOPS and requirements development to ensure Red Cat Holdings' UAS capabilities meet warfighter needs across training, readiness, and operational employment
Identify, qualify, and develop new U.S. Government business opportunities, follow-on procurements, and program expansions
Develop and execute capture strategies and capture plans aligned with U.S. Government acquisition timelines, funding profiles, and competitive environments
Lead efforts to capture new and follow-on U.S. Department of War contracts, including Programs of Record, rapid acquisition efforts, and urgent operational requirements
Support Annual Operating Plan (AOP) development and multi-year U.S. defense growth strategies
Coordinate and support flight demonstrations, operational assessments, military exercises, and customer site visits in support of U.S. acquisition and fielding decisions
Conduct market intelligence, threat-informed competitive analysis, and capability gap assessments to inform internal investment and product roadmap decisions
Lead or support proposal development, white papers, RFIs, and RFP responses resulting in awarded U.S. Government contracts
Manage and execute activities related to U.S. Government contracting, export control compliance (ITAR/EAR), and domestic regulatory requirements
Represent Red Cat Holdings as a U.S. defense UAS subject matter expert at Department of War / DoD user forums, military working groups, and government-led industry engagements
Work closely with program management, engineering, flight operations, and training teams to align product development with funded U.S. military requirements
Identify and connect U.S. Government funding sources, rapid prototyping efforts, experimentation events, and modernization initiatives to Red Cat Holdings' technology development
Address complex, mission-driven challenges requiring operational judgment, analytical rigor, and creative problem-solving
Perform other duties as required in direct support of U.S. national defense objectives
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Defense Studies, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum 5-8 years of business development experience supporting U.S. Department of War / Department of Defense programs
Demonstrated experience working with U.S. military organizations on requirement development, acquisition, and sustainment
Proven ability to operate within cross-functional defense teams, including engineering, program management, and operations
Direct experience supporting U.S. military aviation, ISR, or tactical systems programs strongly preferred
Experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) highly desired.
U.S. Citizenship required
Additional Desired Qualifications
Experienced defense professional with a comprehensive understanding of U.S. Government acquisition and program execution
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
Demonstrates sound judgment in selecting engagement strategies and technical approaches to meet mission objectives
Strong understanding of U.S. military acquisition processes, budgeting cycles, and program planning
Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills with senior military and government leaders
Able to perform effectively in a high-tempo, mission-critical environment with shifting priorities
Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and commitment to warfighter outcomes
Maintains a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability
Prioritizes teamwork and mission success over individual interests
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Willingness to travel primarily within CONUS, with occasional international travel in direct support of U.S. Department of War commands deployed globally
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
Ability to sit, stand, communicate, and operate computers and communications equipment for extended periods (Constant)
Ability to operate in field and training environments, including extreme weather and uneven terrain (Occasional)
Ability to lift and move equipment cases weighing 11-20 lbs. (Occasional)
Comfortable working extended hours, weekends, and holidays in support of mission-driven requirements
Background Check
This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.
EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure
Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any @type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.
E-Verify
The company participates E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\RightToWorkPoster%20Eng\Es.pdf) rules.
Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses
