Business Development Manager – Special Operations (SOCOM)

Job description

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 Saronic is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead growth initiatives across the U.S. Special Operations community. This individual will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, capturing, and shaping opportunities that expand Saronic’s presence within USSOCOM, SOF Components, and adjacent mission organizations. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of Special Operations missions, DoD acquisition processes, and autonomous maritime technologies. They will leverage an established network across government, industry, and end users to develop strategic partnerships, influence requirements, and drive opportunities from early customer engagement through contract award. RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and execute the business development strategy for USSOCOM and related Special Operations organizations. - Build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders across USSOCOM, TSOCs, SOF Components, Program Executive Offices, Program Managers, operational units, and acquisition organizations. - Identify, qualify, and mature new opportunities across autonomous maritime systems, unmanned surface vessels (USVs), maritime ISR, logistics, force protection, and expeditionary operations. - Develop and manage a qualified pipeline from early customer engagement through capture, proposal, negotiation, and award. - Influence customer requirements by maintaining regular engagement with operators, acquisition professionals, and mission planners. - Lead capture planning, competitive assessments, win strategies, and customer engagement activities for priority pursuits. - Partner with Engineering, Product Management, Government Affairs, and Program Management to align customer needs with Saronic’s product roadmap. - Represent Saronic at SOF industry conferences, experimentation events, demonstrations, exercises, and customer engagements. - Identify strategic partnerships with prime contractors, technology companies, and mission partners to strengthen competitive positioning. - Monitor acquisition strategies, funding opportunities, congressional priorities, and emerging SOF capability gaps to inform business strategy. - Support proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations for strategic opportunities. - Maintain accurate opportunity forecasting, pipeline reporting, and CRM data. QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field. - 8+ years of business development, capture, military, or government experience supporting the Department of Defense. - Demonstrated success winning and capturing DoD opportunities from identification through contract award. - Existing relationships across USSOCOM, SOF Components, Program Executive Offices, acquisition organizations, or the broader Special Operations enterprise. - Strong understanding of DoD and SOF acquisition processes, OTA agreements, FAR-based contracting, SBIR/STTR programs, and rapid acquisition pathways. - Knowledge of autonomous systems, unmanned maritime platforms, defense technology, or related capabilities. - Excellent executive communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills. - Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment with minimal oversight. - Willingness to travel approximately 40–60%. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Former Special Operations military experience (e.g., SEAL, SWCC, MARSOC, Army Special Forces, Ranger Regiment, Air Force Special Warfare, or Coast Guard MSRT/MSST) or extensive experience supporting the SOF community. - Existing network across USSOCOM headquarters, SOF Components, TSOCs, PEO-SOF Warrior, SOFWERX, DIU, NavalX, DARPA, and other defense innovation organizations. - Experience with autonomous systems, unmanned surface vessels, maritime operations, ISR, C5ISR, or AI-enabled defense technologies. - Experience supporting demonstrations, exercises, experimentation campaigns, or operational user evaluations. 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.