Now Hiring - International Air Response - Sales Director - Specialized Aerial Services in Phoenix, AZ

Full description of the position

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL AIR RESPONSE International Air Response (IAR) is a leader in mission-critical aerial operations, delivering specialized aviation services across commercial, government, and research clients worldwide. Leveraging unique aircraft capabilitiesincluding C-130 Hercules platformsour operations span search and rescue, spaceflight support, airborne testing, oil spill response, and advanced research support. We provide highly technical aviation solutions where precision, expertise, and responsiveness matter. POSITION OVERVIEW The Sales Director will lead strategic business development, customer acquisition, and revenue growth for the company's specialized aviation services portfolio. This role requires a blend of executive-level sales leadership and technical understanding of C-130 Hercules aircraft operations, capabilities, performance characteristics, and relevant regulatory frameworks. The ideal candidate can communicate complex technical concepts, translate mission requirements into tailored aviation solutions, and build trusted relationships with government agencies, commercial partners, research institutions, and defense stakeholders. This is a performance-driven, commission-based role with expected total annual earnings ranging from $125,000 to $250,000+, depending on experience level and individual performance.

Compensation

includes a base salary plus commission tied directly to revenue generation. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Sales & Business Development

• Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with company growth objectives.
• Identify and qualify new business opportunities across commercial and government markets.
• Lead full sales cycles including prospecting, proposals, negotiations, and closing.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities.
• Represent the company at industry associations, conferences, and key customer engagements.
• High proficiency in utilizing SAM.gov to identify, evaluate, and respond to federal contracting opportunities. Technical Solutioning
• Present complex mission capabilities in a clear, compelling manner.
• Provide practical expertise on aircraft performance and mission feasibility to customers.
• Collaborate with management and operations to design customer solutions. Customer & Market Insights
• Translate mission needs into tailored proposals and pricing strategies.
• Creates and implements customer engagement plans ensuring regular customer touch points via both in person and remote meetings
• Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and customer needs to continuously refine commercial strategies
• Establish feedback mechanisms to capture customer insights and drive continuous improvement Sales Operations & Reporting
• Forecast revenue and track pipeline performance.
• Manage and maintain CRM data for reporting to leadership.
• Coordinate with contracts, finance, and operations teams. DESIRED TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
• The ideal candidate brings a strong working knowledge of C-130 Hercules aircraft operations and the ability to translate mission requirements into practical, customer-focused aviation solutions.
• The candidate should understand key operational considerationsincluding range, payload, crew requirements, and airfield constraintsand be able to communicate these clearly to both technical and executive stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the regulatory environment is preferred, particularly FAA requirements for operations under Special Restricted and Special Experimental certificates of airworthiness and Public Aircraft Operations.
• Direct experience with C-130 or similar mission aircraft is strongly preferred; however, candidates who demonstrate the ability to quickly learn complex platforms and succeed in highly technical aviation environments will also be considered QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Aerospace, Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive sales leadership or business development experience
• Experience selling aviation, aerospace, defense, or highly technical services
• Proven record of revenue growth and contract wins
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers, stakeholders, and team members
• Strong business acumen with the ability to navigate complex regulatory and technical environments
• Experience leveraging CRM platforms and financial forecasting tools
• Customer-Centric Mindset
• Executive Presence & Influence
• Willingness and Ability to travel (domestic and international) as needed to meet customers, partners, and attend events. Pay: $125,000.00 - $300,000.00 per year

Benefits

:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance Experience:
• Sales or business development: 6 years (Required) Work Location: In person