Principal, Business Development Operations & Strategy

Join Divergent, a leading company in the aerospace and defense industry, as a Principal in Business Development Operations & Strategy. In this role, you will drive strategic planning, operational excellence, and execution infrastructure to scale the company's Aerospace & Defense business development organization. You will work closely with Business Development leadership and various cross-functional teams to improve pipeline management, organizational effectiveness, and the company's competitive position. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience in business development, capture management, or corporate strategy within the aerospace and defense industry.

• Establishing the operating mechanisms, market insights, and analytical frameworks that improve pursuit execution, investment decisions, and long-term growth.
• Leading high-impact initiatives that strengthen pipeline management, improve organizational effectiveness, and enhance the company's competitive position across the U.S. Department of Defense, allied governments, and defense prime contractors.
• Developing strategic recommendations that inform executive decision-making, investment planning, and resource allocation, and owning the operating framework supporting the Aerospace & Defense business development organization.
• This role requires exceptional business judgment, deep understanding of the defense acquisition ecosystem, and the ability to influence senior leaders while operating effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• Experience supporting customer engagements with the U.S. Department of Defense, allied governments, defense primes, or major OEMs
• Proven ability to influence executive leadership through data-driven recommendations and strategic analysis
• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
• Demonstrated success developing business development strategy, commercial operations, or capture processes supporting complex defense pursuits
• 10+ years of progressive experience in business development, capture management, business operations, corporate strategy, or commercial leadership within the aerospace and defense industry
• Exceptional written, verbal, and executive presentation skills
• Experience with Salesforce, GovWin IQ, Deltek, or comparable business development and CRM platforms
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline
• Deep understanding of the U.S. Department of Defense acquisition lifecycle, PPBE process, major contract vehicles, and defense budgeting
• Active DoD Secret clearance
• MBA or advanced degree in Business, Engineering, Public Policy, or a related field
• Existing relationships across the U.S. Department of Defense, defense prime contractors, or the broader national security industrial base
• Experience leading business operations, strategic planning, or commercial excellence initiatives within a high-growth technology company
• Experience supporting advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense technology, autonomy, propulsion, munitions, or precision manufacturing organizations