Role Overview for Chief Growth Officer – Aerospace & Defense – Denver, CO
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering leader in the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) industry to recruit a transformative Chief Growth Officer (CGO). Based in the strategic A&D hub of Denver, Colorado, this executive will serve as the primary architect and driver of the company’s ambitious growth agenda. This is a career-defining opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of a dynamic organization at the forefront of technological innovation in national security and space exploration.
The Chief Growth Officer will be a pivotal member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This role transcends traditional sales or business development; it requires a holistic and strategic approach to identifying, cultivating, and capturing new market opportunities. The CGO will be responsible for orchestrating the company’s entire growth engine, including corporate strategy, business development, sales, capture management, marketing, and strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the global A&D landscape, a robust network within government and industry, and a proven track record of securing large-scale, complex contracts.
In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving geopolitical challenges, this role is critical to ensuring the company not only maintains its competitive edge but also defines the next frontier of A&D solutions. The CGO will be tasked with building and executing a multi-year growth strategy that anticipates market shifts, leverages emerging technologies, and aligns the entire organization towards a unified vision of expansion and market leadership. This leader will champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring a high-performance team to achieve unprecedented results.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Growth Officer – Aerospace & Defense – Denver, CO
The CGO will have a broad and impactful mandate, with responsibilities that span the full lifecycle of business growth. Success in this role will be measured by sustainable revenue growth, market share expansion, and the successful penetration of new and adjacent markets.
Corporate Growth Strategy
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-range strategic growth plan. Conduct rigorous market analysis, competitive intelligence, and technology assessments to identify and prioritize growth vectors, including organic expansion, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and potential M&A targets.
Business Development & Pipeline Management
Lead all business development, sales, and capture activities. Oversee the entire opportunity lifecycle, from identification and qualification to proposal development and contract negotiation. Build and manage a multi-billion dollar pipeline of qualified opportunities with a focus on government clients (DoD, IC, NASA) and prime contractors.
Executive Leadership & Team Development
Build, mentor, and lead a world-class growth organization. Foster a collaborative, results-oriented culture that attracts and retains top talent. Set clear objectives, establish key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensure the team is equipped and motivated to exceed targets.
C-Level Customer & Partner Engagement
Cultivate and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with senior executives at key customer organizations, government agencies, and industry partners. Serve as the company’s chief evangelist, representing the organization at the highest levels.
Marketing & Brand Positioning
Oversee the marketing and communications functions to enhance the company’s brand equity and market presence. Ensure all external messaging is aligned with the corporate strategy and effectively communicates the company’s value proposition to target audiences.
Innovation & Solution Alignment
Collaborate closely with the Chief Technology Officer and engineering teams to ensure the company’s technology roadmap and R&D investments are aligned with current and future market demands. Champion new solutions and business models that create sustainable competitive advantages.
Financial Oversight & Reporting
Develop and manage the annual budget for all growth-related activities. Provide accurate and timely forecasting, pipeline analysis, and performance reporting to the CEO and Board of Directors. Ensure all business pursuits meet the company’s financial objectives for profitability and return on investment.
Navigating the Industry Landscape
Stay ahead of industry trends, procurement policies, and regulatory changes. Leverage deep industry knowledge to effectively position the company and navigate the complex landscape of the global aerospace and defense industry, ensuring compliance and strategic advantage.
Requirements for the Chief Growth Officer – Aerospace & Defense – Denver, CO
The successful candidate will be a seasoned and respected leader within the A&D community, possessing a unique blend of strategic intellect, operational expertise, and inspirational leadership.
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience in business development, corporate strategy, and general management within the Aerospace & Defense sector. A demonstrable track record of capturing and winning programs and contracts valued in the hundreds of millions or billions of dollars is essential.
Proven Leadership
Extensive experience in an executive role (e.g., CGO, SVP of Business Development, General Manager of a P&L) with a history of building and leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams.
Domain Expertise
Deep knowledge of the DoD and Intelligence Community procurement processes, including FAR/DFARS. Intimate familiarity with key government agencies, programs of record, and the competitive landscape.
Strategic Acumen
Superior strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. The ability to translate complex market data and insights into a clear, actionable growth strategy is paramount.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field is required. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Network
An extensive and active network of senior-level contacts across the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, federal civilian agencies, prime contractors, and other key industry stakeholders.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the work, the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance is highly desirable. An active clearance is a significant plus.
Personal Attributes
Unquestionable integrity, exceptional executive presence, and outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. A resilient, adaptable, and results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry by offering a comprehensive and competitive executive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A meaningful equity or long-term incentive plan (LTIP) that aligns the CGO’s success with the long-term value creation of the company.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, alongside robust wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match to help you build a secure future.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education to support your professional growth.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation assistance package is available for the selected candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the vibrant Denver area.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary growth leader with the experience and drive to lead a premier Aerospace & Defense organization into its next chapter of success, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and accomplishments. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidentiality. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit JRG Partners’ Aerospace & Defense executive search practice.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
