Director of Growth, Shipbuilding

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. JOB OVERVIEW The Director of Growth leads growth strategy and execution across our shipbuilding portfolio, spanning manned vessels, larger autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and the industrial base that builds them. You will oversee pipeline health, campaign planning, and customer engagement strategy, and coordinate across functions so that growth efforts match company priorities and operational realities. You will work closely with engineering, programs, production, corporate development and executive leadership to align our capabilities with evolving customer requirements, operational priorities, and strategic growth objectives. You will operate at the executive level with DoW, Navy, other Government organization and industry leaders. RESPONSIBILITIES - Growth Strategy & Portfolio Leadership: Define and execute the multi-year growth strategy for shipbuilding, including target programs, customer segments, teaming approaches, and investment priorities. Own pipeline health, bookings, and the revenue forecast, and report them to executive leadership. - Campaign Planning & Capture: Lead campaign planning and complex, high-value captures from opportunity identification and qualification through gate reviews, solution and price-to-win strategy, proposal development, final proposal revisions, and negotiation. Make bid/no-bid calls and tie growth investments to validated business cases. - Customer Engagement Strategy: Build and sustain senior relationships across the organizations that define, fund, and procure ships including but not limited to applicable PAEs, resource sponsors, policy makers and acquisition oversight organizations. Shape ship requirements, acquisition strategy, and funding early, and align company capabilities and production capacity to what each customer needs. - Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with engineering, programs, operations, contracts, legal, and finance to make sure pursuits are executable and fit production capacity and company priorities. - Industrial Base & Partnerships: Develop strategic relationships with shipyards and suppliers to include primes and non-traditional partners. Structure teaming agreements, joint ventures, and subcontracts that expand capacity and competitiveness. - Contracting & Negotiation: Support negotiations on major vehicles, including OTAs, IDIQs, multi-year procurements and other contract vehicles, protecting margin and managing risk. - Market & Competitive Intelligence: Perform research on Navy shipbuilding plans, budget and funding trends, congressional dynamics; monitor commercial maritime demand and competitor positioning. - Team Leadership & Operational Excellence: Build, mentor, and lead the business development, capture, and proposal team. Institutionalize the processes, tools, and governance (pipeline management, gate reviews, B&P budgeting) that keep performance consistent as we scale. - Executive Representation: Represent the company at industry events, Navy and congressional engagements, and leadership forums, and deliver executive briefings in support of capture campaigns. QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Political Science, or a related field. - 10+ years of combined experience in DoW business development, program management, contracting or financial management or senior civilian/active-duty military service, including significant experience with major shipbuilding or maritime programs. - Established relationships in Navy, DoW and/or other government agencies. - Deep knowledge of Government shipbuilding and acquisition, including but not limited to PPBE, SCN funding, program office structures, requirements development, acquisition pathways, and DoW regulations and compliance. - Deep familiarity with acquisition pathways, program office structures, operational requirements development process, and applicable regulations and compliance. - Demonstrated ability to shape and lead complex captures end to end — ensuring growth equities underpin capture strategy through business validation and qualification, gate reviews, proposal development, final proposal revisions, and contract negotiation. - Experience leading and developing teams, setting priorities, allocating resources, and making go/no-go decisions. - Excellent written and oral communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to brief flag officers, SES leaders, and corporate executives. - Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. - Ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment and to travel as needed. PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer - Occasional standing and walking within the office - Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment - Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports - Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies - Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages) BENEFITS Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees https://saronic-assets-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Saronic%20CCPA%20Notice%20for%20Candidates%20and%20California%20Employees.pdf If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b. Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.