Channel Sales Director, ADG
ABOUT WIND RIVER
Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.
Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company's software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world. Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We've achieved recent 5G milestones including the world's first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone.
The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a "Top Workplace" for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world.
About the Role
Wind River is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Channel Sales Leader to drive, enable, and scale bookings and revenue across our Aerospace, Defense, and Government (ADG) markets through strategic and high-value partnerships.
This leader will own the strategy and execution of our ADG channel ecosystem globally, with a heavy focus on the U.S. and EMEA markets. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in the U.S. Government and Defense industry, a strong understanding of government procurement and contracting processes, and a proven ability to build high-performing partner networks that drive measurable business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the global ADG channel sales strategy, focusing on accelerating bookings, expanding market coverage, and increasing revenue contribution through partners.
- Identify, recruit, and develop strategic partnerships with System Integrators, Distributors and VARs, and Federal/Defense contractors that align with Wind River's ADG growth goals.
- Lead joint business planning and enablement with top-tier partners to drive pipeline creation, solution alignment, and market differentiation.
- Collaborate with the Global ADG Leadership Team, WRX Proxy, and Functional Leaders (Legal, Finance, Product, Marketing, Operations) to ensure alignment, compliance, and unified execution.
Business Development & Growth
- Drive partner-originated and partner-influenced pipeline across U.S. and EMEA ADG accounts.
- Lead negotiations and structuring of channel agreements, incentive programs, and revenue-sharing models.
- Build programs that expand partner technical competency and sales capability around Wind River's portfolio (VxWorks, Linux, Simics, Wind River Studio).
- Lead or co-sell into top strategic accounts and programs in collaboration with partners and field sales teams.
Operational Excellence
- Own pipeline quality and forecast accuracy for ADG channel-driven business, ensuring clear visibility of bookings and revenue contribution.
- Implement repeatable partner enablement frameworks including certification, co-marketing, and joint pursuit programs.
- Identify annual investment required and build the case for internal approval. Adjust strategy and plans, promotions and incentives quarterly or otherwise as essential to generate return on investment.
- Ensure compliance with all U.S. government and export control regulations, working closely with Legal and Compliance teams.
- Champion a culture of outcome-based selling, customer obsession, and execution excellence across the partner ecosystem.
Qualifications & Experience
- 15+ years of combined experience in channel partner relationship management, sales or business development within the Aerospace, Defense, or Government sectors.
- Deep understanding of U.S. Government procurement, contracting, and acquisition processes (FAR/DFARS, IDIQ, OTA, CSO, BPA, ELA, GWAC).
- Proven experience selling into ADG customers (DoD, DOE, DHS, NASA, intelligence community, primes, or tier-1 system integrators).
- Hands-on experience managing or enabling ADG channel partners - understands how they operate, sell, and are incentivized.
- Track record of building and leading teams (direct or matrixed) with strong collaboration across Sales, BD, Product, and Marketing functions.
- Strong knowledge of embedded intelligence, Software Edge space
- Strong business acumen and financial fluency to manage revenue forecasts, deal economics, and partner ROI.
- Exceptional communication and executive engagement skills - able to influence and build trust with C-level stakeholders internally and externally.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for scaling new revenue channels and driving measurable growth.
- Local resident with ability to work on site
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Key Competencies
- Strategic Thinker / Operational Executor
- Trusted Advisor to Partners and Customers
- Collaborative Leader / Cross-Functional Influencer
- Results-Oriented and Data-Driven
- Strong Compliance and Ethical Standards
- Customer and Mission Obsession
Success Metrics
- Growth in channel-sourced and channel-influenced bookings and revenue.
- Expansion of qualified and enabled partners in U.S. and EMEA ADG markets.
- Increased partner pipeline contribution and improved forecast accuracy.
- Measurable improvements in market share, brand visibility, and customer engagement within ADG.
BENEFITS
- Hybrid work model for workplace flexibility
- Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance
- Short and long-term disability coverage
- RRSP matching for financial security
- Flexible time-off policies for work-life balance
- Employee assistance program for mental well-being
- Learning benefits, including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and seminars
Join us at Wind River, where we're not just shaping technology; we're shaping the future of a safer, more connected world. Your journey to make a meaningful impact begins here.
APPLICANT PRIVACY NOTICE:
Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. At Wind River, we strictly adhere to all applicable data privacy laws. Please review Wind River's Applicant Privacy Notice, which can be found here.
Wind River is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.
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Special Clearance Requirements
This position will perform work that the U.S. government has specified can only be performed by a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil, and therefore any offer will be contingent upon verification of both of these requirements.
Compensation
The salary range for this role's listed grade level is based on On-Target-Earnings (OTE), 60% base+40% commission at currently $275k to $400k for DC residents. Salary ranges are determined through interviews and a review of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities of the applicant, and equity with other team members. Employees in this role are also eligible for the following benefits in accordance with the terms of the Company's plans: health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, flex time off, eligibility to enroll in 401k, and 12 paid holidays.
Privacy Notice - Active Candidates: https://www.aptiv.com/privacy-notice-active-candidates
Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- FSA With Employer Contribution
- HSA
- HSA With Employer Contribution
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
- Adoption Leave
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Casual Dress
- On-Site Cafeteria
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- 401(K)
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Learning and Development Stipend
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Work Visa Sponsorship
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
Company Videos
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