Program Manager Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Business Development - Sales Manager (Defense & Aerospace) - North America

Location: Nashville, TN (Near Defense & Aerospace hub)
Work Model: Hybrid (Travel required)
Status: Full-time 

Position Summary:

The Sales Manager Defense & Aerospace (North America) is responsible for expanding Schnellecke Logistics' business within the United States defense and aerospace supply chain. This role focuses on identifying and developing new business opportunities with defense OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, government contractors, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul organizations. The position plays a critical role in strengthening Schnellecke's presence as a secure and compliant logistics partner within the defense aerospace industry.

This role requires direct experience selling contract logistics and warehouse-based solutions within defense or aerospace environments, not product or manufacturing sales. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in secure logistics operations, production logistics, and end-to-end supply chain services, with the ability to navigate regulatory requirements such as ITAR, EAR, and DFARS.

Key Responsibilities:

Defense & Aerospace Market Development and Growth

• Develop and execute business development strategies focused on expanding Schnellecke's presence within the defense and aerospace sector through contract logistics and warehouse-based solutions.
• Identify, target, and secure new business opportunities with defense OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, government contractors, and MRO organizations requiring outsourced logistics services.
• Pursue opportunities tied to long-term, multi-year logistics contracts supporting production, sustainment, and supply chain operations in regulated environments.
• Leverage industry knowledge to identify opportunities where Schnellecke can replace or compete against existing 3PL providers supporting defense and aerospace customers.

Solution Development and Proposal Leadership

• Lead complex RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes for contract logistics opportunities within defense and aerospace programs.
• Collaborate with Solution Engineering, Operations, Quality, IT, and Finance teams to design secure, compliant, and scalable logistics solutions.
• Translate customer and program requirements into warehouse-based and production logistics solutions, including labor models, facility concepts, and cost structures.
• Develop pricing strategies and commercial proposals aligned with long-term logistics agreements and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all proposed solutions meet compliance standards related to ITAR, EAR, DFARS, and applicable cybersecurity and quality frameworks such as AS9100.

Requirements

  Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related technical field.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in business development within contract logistics, third-party logistics (3PL), or supply chain services, preferably supporting defense or aerospace customers.
• Direct experience selling warehouse-based logistics solutions, including warehousing, production logistics, sequencing, kitting, or end-to-end supply chain services, is required.
• Proven experience selling complex, long-cycle logistics solutions involving multiple stakeholders, including operations, engineering, compliance, and program management teams.
• Experience working within defense or aerospace supply chains, including OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, government contractors, or MRO organizations.
• Strong understanding of secure and regulated logistics environments, including ITAR, EAR, and DFARS requirements.
• Experience supporting or bidding on government or Department of Defense-related contracts, including familiarity with contract structures such as FFP, CPFF, and IDIQ.
• Experience working for or selling against major logistics providers such as DHL, GXO, XPO, CEVA, Kenco, DP World, BLG, or similar organizations is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of logistics operations, including production logistics, warehousing, sequencing, and kitting processes.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Solution Engineering, Operations, IT, Quality, and Finance teams to develop compliant and scalable logistics solutions.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to develop pricing strategies, cost models, and value-based proposals.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence decision makers at multiple levels within customer organizations.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when operating in security-sensitive environments.
• Active or eligible U.S. Security Clearance (Public Trust, Secret, or higher) is preferred.
• Familiarity with aerospace and defense quality standards such as AS9100 and ISO 9001 is preferred.
• Fluent English required; Spanish is a plus for cross-border programs.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office tools, and supply chain or proposal management platforms.
• Willingness to travel as required to support customer engagement, business development activities, and program pursuits.

Work Environment:

• This position operates within a highly regulated defense and aerospace industry environment that requires strong attention to compliance, security, and operational integrity.
• The role requires frequent collaboration with internal teams, including operations, engineering, compliance, IT security, and finance, as well as engagement with external defense customers and government contractors.
• The Sales Manager must be comfortable working in complex regulatory environments, participating in compliance reviews, and engaging with senior leadership within defense organizations. Travel may be required across North America to support customer engagement, project development, and industry events.

About Schnellecke Logistics:
Schnellecke Logistics is a global logistics service provider specializing in value-added logistics solutions for the automotive and industrial sectors. We're committed to operational excellence, safety, quality, and continuous improvement, and we deliver reliable supply chain support to our customers.  Schnellecke Group is a globally recognized third-party logistics provider with over 80 years of experience delivering innovative supply chain solutions. Founded in Wolfsburg, Germany, and still family-owned and operated by the third generation, Schnellecke combines strong local roots with a global presence. Today, we operate more than 70 facilities worldwide with over 2,000,000 square meters of logistics space supporting customers across the automotive and industrial sectors. 

At Schnellecke, we are committed to building strong teams, investing in employee development, and creating an environment where individuals can grow their careers while contributing to meaningful work across the global supply chain.

EEOC Statement:

Schnellecke Logistics is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.