OEM BD Manager

Role Summary

This role focuses on identifying new OEM business opportunities and collaborations, cultivating OEM partnerships, identifying and managing key accounts to drive revenuegrowth and market share expansion.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the defense, tactical gear and firearms markets, OEM manufacturing, and B2B sales strategies.

This role is not limited to networking or lead gen — the BD Manager must be technically Fluent in the company’s product, able to engage in pricing and product configuration discussions, and coordinate closely with the Manufacturing Manager to deliver feasible and profitable custom offerings.

Primary Responsibilities:

Business Development:

• Identify and pursue new strategic business opportunities within tactical gear, defense, outdoor, and related sectors to expand the brand’s footprint in international markets.
• Identify and engage with body armor, firearms and other defense firms to support them with custom-designed and manufactured soft goods or components.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, market gaps, and emerging opportunities.

OEM Sales & Account Management:

• Lead the full cycle of OEM sales from lead generation, proposal development, and contract negotiation to project execution, retention, and revenue growth.
• Collaborate with internal teams (R&D, design, production, and quality) to ensure OEM products meet client specifications and quality standards.
• Build ROI models for low-volume but high-value projects.
• Serve as project owner during internal validation, prototyping, and contract negotiation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work with Marketing on outbound programs and value prop messaging.
• Coordinate with BI Analyst on performance tracking and opportunity analysis.

Strategic & Operational Management:

• Build and maintain a robust OEM sales pipeline and provide accurate sales forecasts and performance reporting.
• Monitor key KPIs such as OEM sales growth, lead generation rate, conversion rates, and client satisfaction.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Textile Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in OEM sales, business development, or key
  account management in tactical gear, outdoor equipment, defense, or technical
  textiles.
• Proven track record in securing and managing OEM or B2B business
• Strong knowledge of tactical gear standards, materials, and product
  development processes.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and result-driven with a hunter mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and accounts simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills- must be a "People-person" 
• SOF or Combat Military or Law Enforcement service - advantage
• Willingness to travel internationally to clients and industry events frequently - as
  required