Description
Shield AI is seeking a high-performing Senior Business Development Lead to drive growth for Hivemind Autonomy across the Netherlands, primarily focusing on defense and government customers.
The successful candidate will identify, shape, and close complex opportunities while building enduring customer relationships and executing disciplined capture strategies. They will work closely with Sales Leadership, Product, Engineering, and Strategic Engagement teams to align customer needs with Hivemind's autonomy capabilities and deliver mission-critical outcomes.
Key responsibilities:
- Own and drive the full sales lifecycle for Hivemind opportunities across assigned accounts/territories
- Develop and execute territory and capture strategies for priority pursuits
- Identify, qualify, and shape new business opportunities through deep understanding of customer missions, budgets, and acquisition pathways
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, program offices, and influencers
- Lead proposal development in partnership with BD Operations and cross-functional teams
- Conduct competitive analysis and position Hivemind effectively in complex environments
- Partner with Product, Engineering, and Solutions teams to translate customer needs into technical and operational solutions
- Manage deal progression with rigour
- Represent Shield AI at industry events, conferences, and customer engagements
Measures of success (first 6-12 months):
- Strong pipeline generation and progression
- Successful execution of capture strategies resulting in qualified opportunities and wins
- Improved deal velocity and win rates
- Establishment of trusted relationships with key customer stakeholders
- Consistent, accurate forecasting and high-quality CRM and pipeline hygiene
- Meaningful contribution to revenue growth
The ideal candidate has 10-15+ years of experience in business development, sales, or capture roles in technically complex domains, a proven track record of owning and closing deals, and deep understanding of defense acquisition processes.
Required qualifications:
- 10-15+ years of experience in business development, sales, or capture roles
- Proven track record of owning and closing deals
- Deep understanding of defense acquisition processes and government procurement lifecycle
- Strong experience developing and executing capture strategies
- Technical aptitude and ability to engage credibly with Engineering, Product, and Operational stakeholders
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of operating in a fast-paced environment
- Bachelor's degree required