Supplier Business Development Principal

VSE Aviation

. Develop, implement, and own the enterprise strategy for supplier business development, translating corporate growth objectives into a multi-year roadmap of Distribution and MRO pursuits .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeRemote • Florida • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in supplier business development and strategic sourcing within the aviation or aerospace sector, with a strong focus on developing and implementing enterprise-level growth strategies that yield measurable results. Proven ability to lead complex negotiations and cultivate executive-level relationships while driving organizational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Supplier Business DevelopmentStrategic SourcingAviation Parts DistributionComplex NegotiationsLeadership Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial ModelingBusiness Case DevelopmentKPI TrackingProcess ImprovementCommercial Business Development

Soft Skills

Executive PresenceMentorshipProblem SolvingCommunicationCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteQuantum Control Software

Certifications & Qualifications

ISO 9001:2015AS9120

Industry Keywords

AviationAerospaceMRO OperationsOEM RelationshipsAftermarket Supply Chains

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, implement, and own the enterprise strategy for supplier business development, translating corporate growth objectives into a multi-year roadmap of Distribution and MRO pursuits
Provide strategic guidance and direction to executive leadership on supplier portfolio positioning, white-space opportunities, and long-range market entry decisions
Establish and govern standards, processes, playbooks, and success criteria for identifying, qualifying, and advancing supplier opportunities
Direct identification, evaluation, and prioritization of high-value supplier partners, including OEMs and tier-one suppliers
Cultivate and sustain executive-level supplier relationships as VSE’s senior representative and trusted advisor
Lead complex, multi-stakeholder new business campaigns and align resources, milestones, and commercial objectives
Set negotiation strategy and lead commercially significant distribution and MRO agreement negotiations
Direct financial modeling and business case development covering revenue, margin, inventory investment, working capital, and operating cost
Present, defend, and secure approval for major supplier opportunities before senior executives and investment decision authorities
Partner with Legal, Compliance, and Contracts to structure agreements mitigating enterprise risk
Interpret market intelligence, competitor activity, fleet forecasts, and supply availability to refine supplier growth strategy
Provide guidance, coaching, mentorship, and technical supervision to business development managers and analysts
Collaborate across Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, and Program Management to transition awarded programs into steady-state execution
Define, track, and report KPIs for the supplier business development pipeline
Represent VSE at industry events, trade shows, conferences, and executive supplier reviews
Champion continuous improvement of tools, systems, talent development, and organizational capability

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, aviation management, engineering, or related field OR an additional 3 years of specific work experience in lieu of degree
10 years of experience in supplier business development, strategic sourcing, commercial business development, or supplier management, with a substantial portion in the aviation or aerospace sector
7-9 years of leadership experience
Demonstrated success developing and implementing enterprise-level growth strategies that delivered measurable revenue and margin results
Proven experience leading complex, high-value commercial negotiations, including sole-source and multi-year distribution and MRO agreements
Executive presence, with a track record of presenting to and influencing C-suite, board-level, and supplier executive audiences
Expert knowledge of aviation parts distribution, MRO operations, and aftermarket supply chains
Demonstrated ability to provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to experienced professionals, whether through direct reporting relationships or matrixed leadership
Ability to exercise broad latitude and independent judgment on matters of significance with minimal direction
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 60% of the time
Proven ability to communicate with executives, customers, and suppliers professionally, persuasively, and clearly
Demonstrated success solving ambiguous, high-stakes problems in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Ability to lead and prioritize a portfolio of concurrent strategic initiatives to meet enterprise goals and deadlines
Ability to develop and implement sensible strategies, structures, and operating models that improve workflow, governance, and organizational efficiency
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and scheduling applications
Able to direct and coordinate the work and activities of others by building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members and cross-functional stakeholders
Ability to work effectively and self-directedly in a fully remote environment
Preferred: Master’s degree or MBA
Preferred: 15+ years of progressive operational, commercial, or business development work experience
Preferred: 10+ years of leadership experience, including direct supervision of professional staff
Preferred: 10+ years of aviation or aerospace industry experience
Established network of OEM and supplier executive relationships within the aviation aftermarket
Experience building and scaling a supplier business development function, including process, tooling, and talent
Experience with P&L ownership or management of a significant capital or inventory investment portfolio
Experience 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 subject to a background check and drug testing

Benefits

Comp & perks

Domestic and international travel required up to 60% of the time
Opportunity to transition to a supervisory position with direct reports based on business need