Head of Growth

AndrenaM - Hawthorne, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hawthorne, CA

About the position

AndrenaM is seeking a Business Development / Growth Strategist to drive market expansion and forge key partnerships in the defense technology sector. This role is crucial for shaping and executing growth strategies to scale AndrenaM's maritime autonomous systems technology and expand its client base in both defense and commercial sectors. The strategist will focus on building relationships, securing contracts, and driving revenue growth while navigating the complexities of the defense industry.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and manage relationships with key defense industry stakeholders, including government agencies, defense contractors, and system integrators.
• Drive business development efforts by securing new business opportunities, leading proposal efforts, and closing contracts.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape within the defense sector.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, product, and marketing) to align product offerings with market needs.
• Develop strategic partnerships with complementary technology providers, research institutions, and commercial partners.
• Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline, tracking progress through CRM tools, and providing regular updates to leadership.
• Lead participation in defense industry events, conferences, and meetings to increase AndrenaM's visibility and influence in the market.
• Work with legal teams to ensure all business development activities comply with defense regulations and ITAR.

Requirements

• Experience in defense contracting, business development, or government relations in technology sectors.
• Proven track record of securing government contracts, particularly in defense or maritime domains.
• Familiarity with the defense acquisition process (DoD, NATO, FMS) and government funding programs such as SBIR/STTR.
• Strong network within the defense or defense-adjacent industries, including relationships with DoD, DHS, or other defense agencies.
• Experience negotiating and structuring strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and cooperative agreements.
• Background in technology or an understanding of technical products in sectors such as autonomous systems, AI, or communications is a plus.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with ITAR compliance and other defense regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in a fast-paced startup or high-growth environment is highly desirable.
• Ability and willingness to get a security clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a fast-paced startup or high-growth environment is highly desirable.
• Background in technology or an understanding of technical products in sectors such as autonomous systems, AI, or communications is a plus.

Benefits

• Stock options with significant growth potential.
• Flexible vacation policy and paid holidays.
• Health coverage.
• Access to a unique work environment, blending technology and defense.