Senior Business Development Manager, US Navy

About this role

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one.

Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles.

As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.

We have a people-centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:

Planet is seeking a Business Development Manager focused on advancing the delivery of Planet’s solutions to solve high priority operational challenges for the US Navy. This individual will lead execution of the entire business development lifecycle starting with the identification and understanding of critical operational needs, along with shaping of program requirements, budget, and procurement processes to ensure Planet solutions are delivered to meet those warfighter needs.

Specific responsibilities include identifying and qualifying new business opportunities, pursuing long term strategic captures and supporting acquisition activities such as RFI’s, White Papers, Unsolicited Proposals, and RFPs while advocating for Planet capabilities to mission users within the Navy.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of ongoing operational challenges of the US Navy, along with their budgetary, requirements, and acquisition processes. Planet’s solutions are innovative and novel, and we are looking for someone to bring those solutions forward to solve significant Navy challenges and shape strategic objectives.

This is a full-time, hybrid role which may require you to work from our Washington, DC (located in Arlington, VA) office 3 days per week.

Impact You'll Own:

• Leverage existing and develop new, trusted relationships with current and prospective Planet customers and industry partners within the Combatant Commands, the Joint Staff, and the Navy.

• Specifically, the role will need to create a strategy and engagement plan to align Planet solutions to increase support for US Navy operations.

• Actively participate and represent Planet in relevant community forums, events, industry days, and other means to continually increase Planet’s understanding of the Navy missions, long term visions and priorities, along with budgets and acquisition cycles.

• Build the long term pipeline through driving operational demand and identification of innovative ways to bring Planet solutions to the US Navy

• Provide leadership and expertise in support of strategic planning, competitive intelligence and market assessments.

• Partner collaboratively with USG Sales Director and Account Executives

• Maintain close alignment with Government Affairs on policy and budget shaping activities.

• Maintain close relationships with Business Development Managers across global regions, to ensure consistent approaches where appropriate and coordinate engagements with multi-country Defense Alliances and Coalitions.

• Coordinate responses to RFIs and RFPs through bid decision to submission to ensure alignment to strategy in association with Sales and Proposal teams.

What You Bring:

• 10+ years of relevant experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

• Experience working directly within the US DoW - specifically within the US Navy, Combatant Commands, and/or the Intelligence Community with a maritime focus

• Knowledge of, and experience working with, DoW Program Executive Offices and Portfolio Acquisition Executives, and associated OSW and Service requirement and budgetary entities

• Direct prior experience with Navy organizations to include PEO C4I, PMW–120, Office of Naval Intelligence, NAVWAR, NAVAIR, Office of Naval Research, US Pacific Fleet, US 7th Fleet, and Navy Rapid Capabilities Office

• Understanding of how space-based capabilities can advance critical Navy missions

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability and experience to communicate effectively with senior level civilian leadership and/or military flag officers

• Experience working in a Program office, N2/J2 staff, and working knowledge of DoW budget cycle

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience working across multiple parts of the US National Security Community - DoW and IC, to include:

• Serving in a role leading Operational support and execution functions, leveraging GEOINT, Data, Space, Intelligence, Airborne capabilities for Maritime Domain Awareness and support to targeting

• Experience teaming with primes and integrators on Navy programs

• Experience supporting unmanned or autonomous maritime programs

• Active security clearance

Application Deadline:

11:45pm PT on the date stated below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting may be removed earlier than projected if a suitable pool of applications has been received. For this reason, we recommend applying as soon as you are able to.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution

• Generous Paid Time Off in…