What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President, Land Operations position at Mistral Group?
Mistral, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ondas, a team of defense companies. Mistral has the mission of "Bridging" operational gaps in the Defense and Law Enforcement markets with practical, innovative, and high readiness solutions.
Mistral is seeking a seasoned Vice President, Land Operations to support the securing and execution of multiple defense contracts. This is a full-time, on-site position at our Bethesda, MD headquarters reporting to the Senior Vice President, Business Development.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Development & Growth Strategy
- Lead business development efforts for Mistral’s Gound activities across defense and related markets
- Identify, qualify, and pursue new opportunities in robotics, UGVs, TWV, mortars systems, ground weapon systems, ground soldiers’ capabilities enhancements, and related capabilities
- Identify relevant operational gaps for ground troops within the DoD and try to bridge with system solutions
- Ensure all activities are aligned with the company’s vision and mission, and more specifically with the company’s yearly business plan, goals, and KPIs
- Pipeline & Proposal Management
- Own and manage the Ground opportunity pipeline from identification through award
- Ensure high-quality, compliant, and competitive proposal development and submission
- Coordinate cross-functional inputs (engineering, program management, finance, contracts) to meet proposal deadlines
- Drive win strategies, pricing alignment, and customer-focused solutions
- Program & Timeline Oversight
- Ensure alignment between business development efforts and program execution timelines
- Coordinate with program managers and technical teams to support successful contract execution
- Monitor milestones and deliverables to ensure commitments made during capture are achievable and met
- Leadership & Team Oversight
- Oversee personnel supporting Ground business development initiatives, including capture managers and proposal contributors
- Provide direction, mentorship, and performance oversight to ensure execution excellence
- Foster accountability and alignment across cross-functional teams
- Marketing & Industry Engagement
- Represent Mistral’s Ground activities at trade shows, industry events, and customer briefings
- Support development of marketing materials, capability briefings, and product positioning
- Maintain awareness of market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- 10 years of experience in business development, capture management, or related roles within defense, aerospace, or robotics sectors
- Demonstrated success winning and growing programs within DoD or related markets
- Experience with ground systems, robotics, UGVs, or related defense platforms strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of federal contracting, proposal processes, and acquisition lifecycle
- Proven ability to manage complex pursuits and meet tight proposal timelines
- Experience working with cross-functional teams in engineering, operations, and program management
Salary : $175,000 - $225,000