Head - Business Development - Composites Business

Description: JD Business development Head - Composites

Role Overview:

The Head of Composite will be responsible for leading and overseeing the company's composite manufacturing operations, strategy, and business development. This leadership role requires in-depth expertise in advanced composite materials and good understanding of composite material requirements/applications in aerospace, defence, automotive and other sectors a composite manufacturing processes and new manufacturing technologies, and industry best practices. The role will involve managing large-scale projects, ensuring quality standards, driving innovation in composite solutions, interacting with key customers for understanding requirements and fostering relationships with key stakeholders, both internally and externally, to support the company's long-term growth in the composite sector.

Primary Responsibilities:

- Develop and execute the strategy for the composite division, ensuring alignment with the companys overall business goals

- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and industry partners to expand the companys footprint in the composite sector.

- Translate customer requirements into manufacturing, cost, and capability roadmaps in collaboration with engineering and production teams.

- Lead business development strategy for composite structures and components in the Automotive, Aerospace and Defense sector.

- Identify, evaluate, and pursue opportunities through government and PSU tenders, RFPs, RFQs, and nomination-based programs.

- Manage end-to-end tendering processes, including bid strategy, technical/commercial submissions, and post-bid clarifications.

- Develop deep working relationships with Private automotive OEMs, PSUs, DRDO labs, DPSUs, Tier-1 suppliers, and private aerospace, Automotive OEMs.

- Conduct market studies to identify composite applications aligned with Company's manufacturing processes and scale.

- Provide strategic inputs on facility readiness, certifications (AS 9100, NADCAP) and process upgrades required for aerospace and defense programmers.

- Provide budgeting for the development of facility and communicate with stakeholders

- Ensure alignment with customer expectations, and support contract execution where required.

- Support development of technical capability decks, proposals, and presentations for customer and government engagements.

Key Activities & Deliverables:

- Lead the development and scale-up of the composites division, driving new market entry and product innovation across multiple end-use sectors.

- Independently drive business development initiatives, including customer site visits, technical-commercial discussions, and accelerated conversion of opportunities into confirmed orders.

- Built and sustain strong industry networks and working relationships across Automotive, Defence, and Aerospace OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.

- Strengthen customer engagement and account management, resulting in increased market share and repeat business within the composites domain.

- Mentor and develop high-potential talent within the composites team, improving technical capability, ownership, and execution effectiveness.

Qualifications:

- MBA Business Administration / Operations Management (IIMs Preferred- BLACK)

- Bachelors Degree in Engineering (Materials Science, Mechanical, or Composite Engineering preferred)

Experience:

- 13+ years of experience in business development or commercial roles within aerospace, defence, or advanced manufacturing.

- Proven hands-on experience in handling government and PSU tenders, including defence procurement processes.

- Strong understanding of composite materials, manufacturing processes, and aerospace/defence qualification requirements.

- Experience working with PSUs, defence establishments, and private aerospace players in India and International is a plus.

- Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

- Ability to operate independently in long-cycle, compliance-driven business environments.

- Ability to produce financial planning, budgets for product development

Domain Knowledge:

- Extensive knowledge of business development, Collaborations

- In-depth knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing techniques, and applications across industries (e.g., aerospace, automotive, defence).

- Expertise in compliance with industry standards, such as ISO, AS9100, and other relevant certifications.

- Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, including automated fibre placement, resin transfer molding, and 3D printing for composites.