USG Programs Development & Capabilities Manager

USG Programs Development & Capabilities Manager

SUMMARY

The USG Programs Development & Capabilities Manager will be responsible for driving growth, brand awareness, and strengthening customer relationships across the USG, DOW and OGA marketspace. This role is responsible for managing and leading all business development activities, customer engagement strategies, tradeshows, and product live fire demonstrations. This position will align with internal stakeholders from Engineering, Marketing, Product Management and Contracts, to align customer requirements with Colt’s technical capabilities and ensure successful product development and program outcomes. This position works with the Vice President of Government Sales and Military Programs and USG Program Support Specialist. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILIITES

• Lead all business development and requirement shaping efforts related to USG DOW end users. 
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key USG, DOW and federal law enforcement stakeholders.
• Represent Colt at tradeshows, industry events, evaluations, and live fire demonstrations to promote products and expand market presence.
• Engage with end users to understand near and long-term requirements to influence requirements aligned with Colt’s product offerings. 
• Collaborate with Contracts team to develop, review and support proposals, tenders and programmatic responses. 

• Collaborate with Colt Engineering and Product Management to ensure new and existing products meet or exceed U.S. military standards and performance requirements.
• Identify strategic business partners, distributors, and influential end users to grow U.S. Military and Federal Law Enforcement market share.
• Influence new product development and research by acting as the voice of the customer, communicating relevant customer requirements and performance expectations.
• Create and deliver sales and training presentations to Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement customers to improve customer product knowledge and brand awareness.

• Request, manage and monitor all USG test and evaluation requests to ensure all sales opportunities are properly supported and pursued.

COMMUNICATION/CAPABILITY

• This position is remote with required monthly travel to Colt’s headquarters in West Hartford, CT.
• Maintain accurate and current CRM data, sales funnels and activity reporting.

• Communicate effectively across cross-functional teams and senior leadership.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
• Ability to analyze and interpret sales and margin reports.
• Proven ability to influence internal stakeholders and externally at all organizational levels.

• 5-10+ years of experience in defense, firearms or ammunition business channel.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering preferred or related field with relevant work experience. 
• Prior experience supporting USG/OGA customers required.
• Strong working knowledge of firearms and military requirements. 
• Must be comfortable engaging Department of War (DOW) personnel.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• Must pass a background check.
• Study competition and develop sales strategies to grow business in each channel of trade.
• Prior military or USSOCOM experience strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic problem-solving and tactical execution skills.
• Prior firearms industry, military, USSOCOM experience is a plus.