Description:
Cleveland Wheel and Brake Systems (CWBS) is a wheel and brake systems integrator that provides aircraft braking systems and key system components including wheels, brakes, and hydraulic components for the general aviation, turboprop, business jet, rotorcraft and military markets. For over 85 years, airplane manufacturers, landing gear manufacturers, mechanics and pilots have relied on the innovative and reliable Cleveland brand of products, making them one of the world’s most experienced, recognizable, and respected brands in the aircraft industry.
Position Purpose
We’re looking for a high-energy, results-driven sales leader to take command of our aftermarket growth with distributors, private and commercial operators, flights schools, and MRO networks across the General Aviation (GA) aftermarket segment supporting Light Sport Aircraft/experimental, pistons, turbo-props, business jets, and helicopters.
As Director of Sales – Aftermarket Channel (DoS-AC), you own the P&L, lead the go-to-market strategy, and drive aggressive growth in spares, repairs, upgrades, and lifecycle solutions. You’ll develop and manage powerhouse distributor partnerships and win market share with operators who rely on our technology every flight.
This is a role for someone who thrives on pursuit-expanding programs, capturing new business, elevating channel performance, and shaping our footprint across the GA aftermarket.
Requirements:
Own the Business
- Deliver revenue, margin, and profit across assigned channels and aftermarket segments.
- Build bold annual sales plans and hit your numbers through disciplined execution.
- Track financial performance, identify trends, and take decisive action to stay ahead of targets.
Drive Relentless Sales Growth
- Expand our market share position in General Aviation with distributors, private and commercial operators, flights schools, and MRO networks.
- Push aggressive pipeline creation—from first contact to closed-won.
- Lead everything from opportunity shaping to contract execution.
- Accelerate growth through distribution partners, dealers, and MRO channels.
- Build capture strategies for spares programs, upgrade kits, exchanges, and long-term support packages.
Market Intelligence That Wins Business
- Own the pulse of the GA aftermarket ecosystem—fleet trends, operator behavior, distributor performance, competitive threats, and pricing intelligence.
- Identify winning opportunities in reliability upgrades, retrofit/STC markets, and lifecycle support.
- Shape go-to-market strategies that beat the competition.
Negotiate and Close
- In conjunction with Contracts, negotiating pricing frameworks, distributor agreements, service programs, and multi-year support deals.
- Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, FAR/DFARS, and aerospace standards.
- Structure deals that drive rapid growth.
Be the Face of the Business
- Build strong relationships with operators, MRO leaders, maintenance directors, chief pilots, service centers, and distribution partners.
- Lead high-impact business reviews and customer engagements.
- Represent the voice of the customer internally and push the organization to deliver best-in-class reliability, support, and value.
Lead Through Influence
- Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and Program Management to support product readiness, reliability improvements, inventory availability, and new offerings.
- Bring data driven operator insights to guide future product development and aftermarket strategies.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Aviation, or similar (advanced degree a plus).
- 8 - 10 years of direct Aerospace experience with proven results; General Aviation, Business Aviation, or Aftermarket Aerospace sales a plus.
- Experience engaging distributors, MROs, turboprop fleet operations, flight schools, and operator-level customers.
- Strong negotiation and commercial skills—comfortable closing complex agreements.
- Deep understanding of GA market including unique geographical factors, market dynamics, and the variety of aircraft (ex: experimental, Pilatus, Textron, Cirrus, Piper, Airbus Helicopter, Diamond, etc..).
- Background in channel strategy or aftermarket capture management.
- Strong financial acumen and P&L experience.
- Ability to travel 50%.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with GA distributors, MRO networks, or STC/retrofit businesses.
- Technical familiarity with aircraft systems, brake systems, or mechanical components.
Core Competencies
- High-performance sales execution
- Channel and distributor leadership
- Strategic and analytical thinking
- Executive presence and strong communication
- Contract negotiation and deal-making
- Customer-centric mindset
- Cross-functional influence
Performance Indicators
- Consistent achievement of revenue, margin, and Annual Operating Plan (AOP) targets
- Growth in distributor sales volume and dollars, operator adoption, and aftermarket penetration
- High retention and expansion within key accounts
- Strong reputation as a trusted advisor with customers and internal stakeholders
- Development and empowerment of contract administrators, account managers, program managers, and channel partners
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
Many positions at CWBS require access to information or technology that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). For ITAR and EAR purposes, U.S. persons include U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents, as well as asylees and refugees. The ITAR and/or EAR may limit access rights for non-US Persons or other unauthorized individuals. CWBS reserves the right to require candidates and employees to provide proof of citizenship, nationality and/or immigration status to determine ITAR and EAR compliance requirements.
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