Business Development Sales Manager

Thomson-Gordon Group - Marsh Brothers Aviation/Thordon Bearings Inc. – Why work with us?

Privately owned since its inception in 1911 and headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, Canada – Thordon Bearings is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, supplying and installing pollution-free, non-metallic bearing and seal systems.

Our 4th-generation, family-owned business is committed to environmental stewardship, as our products eliminate oil and grease in marine, clean power, pump, and industrial applications worldwide.  

We are proud to have created a culture at Thomson-Gordon Group where people from all backgrounds and countries can come together to build a healthy and diverse future. Longevity and commitment to career growth are staples, as many of our employees have been with us for 20+ years. 

Business Development & Sales Manager - Marsh Brothers Aviation

1 Position Available

Position Purpose and Objectives

Marsh Brothers Aviation is seeking a highly motivated Business Development & Sales Manager to lead the growth of our business by identifying new market opportunities, developing strategic customer relationships, and driving sales across the aerospace, defence, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/UAV), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and adjacent high-performance industries.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop and execute annual business development and sales strategies aligned with company growth objectives.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with OEMs, MROs, distributors, aircraft operators, drone manufacturers, Advanced Air Mobility companies, Tier 1 suppliers, and government organizations.
• Generate new sales opportunities and manage the complete sales cycle from prospecting through quotation, negotiation, order closure, and after-sales support.
• Promote and sell MBA's existing portfolio of aerospace polymer components while identifying opportunities for new products and custom-engineered solutions.
• Develop and maintain long-term customer relationships through regular meetings, technical discussions, business reviews, and customer visits.
• Meet or exceed annual sales and business development objectives, including revenue, pipeline growth, and customer acquisition targets.
• Prepare quotations, commercial proposals, customer presentations, and business cases.
• Work closely with Engineering to identify applications where MBA's polymer technologies can provide technical and commercial advantages.
• Identify opportunities to replace conventional metallic components with lightweight, self-lubricating polymer solutions.
• Support new product development initiatives by gathering customer requirements, identifying market needs, and recommending new product opportunities.
• Coordinate customer communications related to new products, certifications, engineering support, and custom developments.
• Develop strategic partnerships with aerospace companies, research organizations, universities, and government agencies.
• Represent the company at customer visits, trade shows, conferences, and industry networking events.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and monitor emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Maintain an accurate sales pipeline and customer database within the CRM system.
• Prepare sales forecasts, business development reports, market assessments, and KPI updates for management.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively (approximately 40–60% of the time), both domestically and internationally, to support customer visits, trade shows, industry events, and business development activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong understanding of the aerospace industry, including commercial aviation, business aviation, aftermarket (MRO), military, OEM, UAS/UAV, or Advanced Air Mobility markets along with aerospace manufacturing processes and aircraft maintenance practices.
• Proven ability to develop customer relationships and generate new business opportunities.
• Experience selling technical or engineered products.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to understand technical products and communicate their value to customers.
• Experience preparing commercial proposals and negotiating contracts.
• Ability to travel internationally as required.
• Valid passport and ability to travel without restrictions.
• Ability to adhere to all company Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams). Experience with SharePoint is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in English is required. Additional languages, particularly Portuguese or Spanish, are considered an asset.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Aviation, Marketing, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent education combined with significant aerospace industry experience will also be considered.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in aerospace business development, technical sales, account management, or a related commercial role.
• Experience selling aerospace components, engineered products, advanced materials, or aerospace manufacturing solutions.
• Relationships with aerospace OEMs, MROs, distributors, aircraft operators, defence organizations, drone manufacturers, or Advanced Air Mobility companies preferred
• Experience working with drone (UAS/UAV) or Advanced Air Mobility companies in an assest.
• Knowledge of FAA, TCCA, PDA, or STC certification processes is preferred.

Competencies for Success

• Strong business development mindset with a passion for identifying new opportunities.
• Results-oriented with a strong focus on achieving sales objectives.
• Entrepreneurial attitude with the ability to identify and pursue strategic growth opportunities.
• Excellent interpersonal, networking, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong technical curiosity and willingness to learn new aerospace technologies.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Professional presentation and negotiation skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and also within a team.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

The compensation range for this role is $80,000 to $125,000+ per year, which includes both base pay and target variable pay. Final compensation will vary based on qualifications, skills, and experience.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to help shape the future growth of an innovative Canadian aerospace company.
• Opportunity to work with leading OEMs, MROs, aircraft operators, distributors, drone manufacturers, and Advanced Air Mobility companies.
• Direct involvement in the commercialization of innovative polymer technologies for aerospace applications.
• Exposure to new product development, certification programs, and strategic partnerships.
• Opportunities for domestic and international travel.
• Collaborative work environment with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Executive Leadership.
• Career growth within an entrepreneurial, technology-driven organization.
• Opportunity to contribute directly to the company's long-term business strategy and expansion into emerging aerospace markets.