Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Business Development - Marine Corps

at Oshkosh Corporation

🏢 About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a leading industrial technology company focused on designing and building purpose-built vehicles and equipment that enhance safety and resilience in communities worldwide. Their innovative approach to defense, fire & emergency, and commercial markets makes them unique, particularly their work with the Marine Corps. Someone might want to work here to contribute to mission-critical technology that directly supports national security and community safety.

About This Role

As Director of Business Development - Marine Corps, you'll lead strategic initiatives to drive growth and profitability specifically within Marine Corps contracts and partnerships. This role involves organizing cross-functional teams, designing analysis efforts to identify opportunities, and implementing business strategies aligned with Oshkosh's objectives for the Marine Corps sector. It's impactful because you'll directly influence how Oshkosh serves and expands its critical defense relationships.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with your cross-functional team to advance Marine Corps opportunities, analyzing data on current contract performance, and preparing strategic briefs for leadership. You could be coordinating with Oshkosh's engineering teams on Marine Corps requirements one moment, then joining a video conference with Marine Corps procurement officials the next, all while managing travel plans for upcoming base visits.

🎯 Who Oshkosh Corporation Is Looking For

  • Has 10+ years direct experience in defense business development (or 7+ years defense consulting) with proven Marine Corps contract knowledge
  • Possesses 5+ years management experience leading cross-functional teams in complex industrial or defense environments
  • Holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Development or related field with understanding of defense procurement processes
  • Is comfortable with 25% travel to Marine Corps bases, defense conferences, and Oshkosh facilities

📝 Tips for Applying to Oshkosh Corporation

1

Quantify your experience with Marine Corps contracts specifically - mention contract values, types (IDIQ, FFP, etc.), and your role in securing/maintaining them

2

Highlight any experience with JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) or similar Marine Corps vehicle programs since Oshkosh is a major defense contractor

3

Demonstrate understanding of Oshkosh's specific Marine Corps portfolio by referencing their current contracts in your application materials

4

Emphasize remote leadership experience since this is a remote position requiring coordination across locations

5

Show how you've driven simplification and efficiency in defense business processes, aligning with the job description's focus

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with Marine Corps procurement and relationship-building at Quantico, Camp Lejeune, or other major Marine Corps installations', 'Examples of leading cross-functional teams in defense business development and achieving measurable growth outcomes', "How your strategic thinking aligns with Oshkosh's focus on 'purpose-built vehicles' and enhancing Marine Corps capabilities", 'Your approach to remote leadership and managing 25% travel while maintaining team cohesion and project momentum']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Oshkosh's current Marine Corps contracts (JLTV, LVSR, etc.) and their contract vehicles with USMC
  • The company's recent earnings calls and investor presentations focusing on defense segment strategy
  • Oshkosh's corporate values and how they manifest in their defense work (safety, innovation, purpose-built solutions)
  • Marine Corps modernization priorities and how Oshkosh's capabilities align with Force Design 2030 initiatives

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach expanding Oshkosh's Marine Corps business beyond current vehicle contracts?
2 Describe your experience navigating the Marine Corps' unique acquisition processes and timelines
3 How have you led simplification initiatives in defense business development that resulted in quantifiable impact?
4 What strategies would you use to build relationships with Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) decision-makers remotely?
5 How do you balance immediate contract opportunities with long-term strategic positioning in the Marine Corps market?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic defense experience without specific Marine Corps examples or understanding of USMC-specific processes
  • Failing to demonstrate remote leadership capabilities in a defense contracting context
  • Not showing how you'd contribute to Oshkosh's specific Marine Corps growth strategy versus general business development

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Oshkosh Corporation!