What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Development Manager - Aircraft position at Van's Aircraft?
Job Title: Aircraft Business Development Manager
Location: Van’s Aircraft Headquarters – Aurora, Oregon
Van’s Aircraft is the world leader in manufacturing personal aircraft, with a global community of aviators who build, fly, and love our legendary RV series. As we grow into new markets and expand our factory-built offering, we’re seeking an Aircraft Sales Representative to join our team and help connect more people to the joy and freedom of flying a Van’s aircraft.
This is a dynamic, customer-facing role for a passionate IFR-rated pilot who thrives on building relationships, guiding customers through complex decisions, and representing a brand that defines the personal aviation space.
What You’ll Do
This is a full-time position based in Aurora, Oregon, with regular domestic travel. You’ll spend your time in the air, at events, in meetings, and on the ramp—wherever potential RV owners are dreaming about their next aircraft.
Location: Van’s Aircraft Headquarters – Aurora, Oregon
Van’s Aircraft is the world leader in manufacturing personal aircraft, with a global community of aviators who build, fly, and love our legendary RV series. As we grow into new markets and expand our factory-built offering, we’re seeking an Aircraft Sales Representative to join our team and help connect more people to the joy and freedom of flying a Van’s aircraft.
This is a dynamic, customer-facing role for a passionate IFR-rated pilot who thrives on building relationships, guiding customers through complex decisions, and representing a brand that defines the personal aviation space.
What You’ll Do
- Leverage your aviation knowledge and strong interpersonal skills to showcase the benefits of owning a Van’s aircraft.
- Engage with prospective customers to understand their mission, flying experience, and preferences—then match them with the right RV model and build path (kit or factory-built).
- Guide customers through the full sales journey, from initial inquiry to final delivery, ensuring a positive and informative experience at every stage.
- Prepare and deliver persuasive sales presentations and aircraft demonstrations tailored to each prospect.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of sales activity, track progress toward individual and team sales goals, and report updates to management.
- Continuously monitor the personal aviation landscape—including competitive aircraft, features, and trends—to inform both customer guidance and internal strategy.
- Travel regularly to meet with prospective customers, conduct demo flights, and represent Van’s Aircraft at major aviation events, fly-ins, and trade shows.
- Accurately prepare sales contracts, documentation, and follow-up materials to support a smooth and professional customer experience.
- FAA Instrument-rated Private Pilot certificate or higher (required)
- 5 years of customer-facing sales experience, ideally in aviation or other high-value, consultative industries preferred
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor messages to pilots of all experience levels
- Passion for aviation, with deep knowledge of aircraft performance, mission profiles, and ownership considerations
- Enthusiastic, self-driven personality with a love for the sales process and a strong internal drive to meet or exceed targets
- Willingness to travel for demos, events, and customer visits
- Familiarity with CRM tools and organized tracking of customer engagement and deal flow
- Experience with demo flights or CFI background preferred
This is a full-time position based in Aurora, Oregon, with regular domestic travel. You’ll spend your time in the air, at events, in meetings, and on the ramp—wherever potential RV owners are dreaming about their next aircraft.