How to apply for Director of Program Development

About Re:Build Manufacturing

Re:Build Manufacturing is on a mission to revitalize U.S. manufacturing by integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. As a dynamic and growing organization, they offer the opportunity to work on diverse, impactful projects that reshape industries and strengthen domestic production. Employees join a forward-thinking team passionate about innovation and American manufacturing.

About the role

As Director of Program Development, you will be the driving force behind new business opportunities, from initial client contact through contract execution. You'll collaborate closely with technical teams and senior leadership to craft winning proposals that showcase Re:Build's capabilities. This role is pivotal in fueling the company's growth by securing programs that align with their technical strengths and strategic vision.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with prospective clients to present Re:Build's capabilities, updating the CRM with new opportunities, and collaborating with technical teams to draft proposals. You'll also coordinate with legal on contract execution and strategize with senior leadership on prioritizing high-value opportunities. Throughout, you'll balance relationship-building with the drive to close programs that excite the technical team.

Who Re:Build Manufacturing is looking for

• 8+ years of experience in product development, with a strong track record of managing client engagements and driving business growth.
• Technical background (BS in engineering or related field) with hands-on understanding of early-stage technology development and product commercialization; life sciences experience is a plus.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers, negotiate contracts, and close deals.
• Passion for business development and a genuine excitement for landing programs that challenge and energize technical teams.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience in product development and business development, specifically emphasizing any roles where you managed client relationships from initial contact to contract closure.
• Demonstrate familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and legal processes (NDAs, MSAs) in your resume or cover letter.
• Showcase your technical acumen by describing projects where you bridged client needs with technical solutions, especially in life sciences if applicable.
• Research Re:Build's portfolio and recent projects to tailor your application to their focus areas (e.g., sustainable manufacturing, cutting-edge tech).
• Use your cover letter to convey genuine enthusiasm for revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and how your values align with Re:Build's mission.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your ability to initiate and manage client relationships, from first contact to signed contract, using CRM tools and legal coordination.', 'Specific examples of successful proposals you developed and presented, highlighting collaboration with technical teams and value proposition articulation.', 'Your technical background and understanding of product commercialization, particularly in early-stage technology development.', "Your passion for business development and alignment with Re:Build's mission to revitalize U.S. manufacturing."]

Research before applying

• Explore Re:Build Manufacturing's website, focusing on their mission, values, and the industries they serve (e.g., life sciences, aerospace, defense).
• Research recent news or press releases about Re:Build's projects, partnerships, or expansions to understand their current trajectory.
• Investigate the backgrounds of senior leadership and technical team members to understand their expertise and how you'd collaborate.
• Look into the company's approach to sustainable manufacturing and cutting-edge technologies to align your answers with their strategic focus.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How do you prioritize opportunities when managing multiple prospective clients? Describe your approach to working with senior leadership to align on priorities.
• Walk us through a time you identified a client's key needs and tailored a proposal that won the business. What was your process?
• Describe your experience with negotiating and closing complex contracts. How do you handle legal and technical hurdles?
• How do you stay engaged with project execution to ensure client satisfaction and identify upsell opportunities?
• Why are you passionate about business development in a manufacturing context, and how do you see yourself contributing to Re:Build's growth?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on sales metrics without demonstrating an understanding of technical product development and how to align client needs with capabilities.
• Neglecting to mention experience with legal documents (NDAs, MSAs) or CRM systems, which are explicitly required in the job description.
• Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't connect your experience to Re:Build's specific mission and the Director role's responsibilities.