Austal USA · 19 hours ago
Chief Growth Officer
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
15+ years expAustal USA is a leading defense shipbuilding company seeking a Chief Growth Officer. This role is pivotal in shaping government relations, customer engagement, and business development strategies to enhance the company's mission and competitive standing.
Shipbuilding
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Build and maintain relationships and grow with DoD, Navy, Coast Guard, and Congressional stakeholders
Act as AUSA’s primary liaison in Washington D.C. for appropriations, budget priorities, and acquisition strategies
Track and influence legislative and regulatory developments affecting shipbuilding and defense
Ensure that appropriate strategic alliances are formed with other organizations to the advantage of AUSA in support of business objectives
Build strategic relationships with key contacts within customer and government organizations to understand opportunities for new or expanded sales and gain support for strategic business interests
Represent AUSA in discussions with customer leadership to include but not be limited to: NAVSEA, PEO Ships, PEO Submarines, PEO Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), MIB, US Coast Guard, etc
Advocate for AUSA’s programs, ensuring they remain visible and well-supported in budget cycles
Provide early intelligence on program shifts, funding priorities, and upcoming requirements
Serve as an extension of AUSA leadership in Washington, D.C
Collaborate with AUSA leadership on capture strategy for new programs and modernization initiatives
Identify partnership opportunities and synergies with Austal affiliates and with other primes, suppliers, and technology partners in D.C
Actively shape the submarine and surface ship module market through direct engagement with the Navy, Congress, and the administration. Position Austal as the leading modules manufacturer for the Navy. In coordination with Austal Program VPs, win module manufacturing work
In conjunction with the Chief Strategy Officer and other stakeholders as appropriate, develop a business strategy for growth in defense and commercial markets, with priority being defense for both new construction and post-delivery support. Collaborate to identify markets and opportunities that best fit business goals, both short term, mid term and long term
Provide in-depth knowledge of defense industry needs and proactively develop market opportunities for AUSA products with all levels of government
Lead gate review process for identified markets and developing alliances that are aligned with the business strategy. Ensures effective collaboration and communication with other functions having responsibilities in this area
Lead bid and proposal efforts utilizing multiple cross-functional resources through collaboration
Develop robust models of potential opportunities for new business in targeted markets
Facilitate process to develop, maintain, and execute the business strategy through an annual business plan. Develop fact-based marketing plans, forecasts and budgets necessary to achieve plan and manage execution of said plans
Identify, evaluate, and prioritize organic and inorganic growth opportunities including partnerships, acquisitions, and new business models
Deliver regular reports to leadership on political, funding, and customer landscape
Flag risks/opportunities early (budget cuts, shifts in force structure, new RFPs)
Provide strategic recommendations to align AUSA’s bids with emerging defense priorities and/or declining defense priorities
Manage and lead market assessments to ensure timely understanding and communication of the targeted defense and commercial markets and opportunities, including government needs, technology and program roadmaps, priorities, budgets, industry players, and Austal USA’s competitive position
Augment AUSA’s President presence and voice in industry associations, trade shows, and national industry meetings (e.g., Shipbuilders Council of America, NDIA, AIA)
Shape AUSA’s reputation with policymakers—trusted, innovative, reliable
Support Austal Limited CEO, AUSA President, and AUSA Board of Managers visits to Washington, D.C., ensuring consistent messaging and effective engagements
Lead the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, and social media platforms to drive brand awareness, engagement, and lead generation
Manage media relations and external communications, including drafting press releases, coordinating interviews, and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets
Monitor and analyze marketing performance metrics to evaluate campaign effectiveness and inform strategy adjustments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
Oversee community affairs and outreach initiatives, building partnerships with local organizations, coordinating events, and promoting positive community engagement
Executive-level oversight of events planning, coordinating, and management, including Christenings and other shipbuilding milestone events, press conferences, community activations, and promotional campaigns to enhance public visibility and stakeholder engagement
Support the Estimating Business System initiative in response to RFP or RFQ requirements to ensure adequate supervision and sound proposals, to protect from duplication and omissions, in accordance with DFARs Cost Estimating System Requirements
Establish and manage budget and goals for department
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Maritime Studies, or a related field required
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategic planning, business development, operations, or executive leadership, preferably in the maritime, defense, or manufacturing industries, with strong demonstrated knowledge of the U.S. Navy customer and major PEOs required
Experience with U.S. federal acquisition programs either on the budget or requirements teams and International experiences in Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) required
Experience in the proposal process, from managing the initial RFI through final proposal submission required
Ability to develop, negotiate, interpret and communicate key business interests in multiple forums
Advanced knowledge of strategic business development and market research methods
Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills with a track record of driving business growth and transformation
Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate effectively at the executive level and across diverse stakeholders
Excellent leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels and distill complex concepts for varied audiences. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of government agencies, consultants, media, public, politicians and other interested parties
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change and strategic direction, with demonstrated experience managing large-scale projects
High level of discretion and integrity in handling sensitive company information
Strong knowledge of Department of Defense (DoD) requirements, particularly in naval shipbuilding or sustainment
Ability to navigate both the political and customer side of the DoD business
Preferred
Former U.S. Navy acquisition officer or Capitol Hill experience with defense appropriations/authorizations experience preferred
Preferred candidate will have a knowledge of shipbuilding, naval engineering, or defense contracting
Prior relevant military experience a plus
Company
Austal USA
Austal USA is a ship manufacturer headquartered in Mobile, Ala., with service centers in San Diego and Singapore and a technology center in Charlottesville, Va.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Christy Taylor
Chief Operating Officer - Transformation
Adam Overstreet
Vice President of Legal Affairs & Chief Compliance Officer
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