Description
Shield AI is seeking a high-performing Business Development Lead to drive defence market growth, customer engagement, and business expansion across assigned markets in the Netherlands.
As Shield AI's territory leader, this individual will represent Shield AI's autonomy and aircraft portfolio, including V-BAT, X-BAT, ViDAR-enabled ISR capabilities, and Hivemind autonomy software across customer engagements, operational demonstrations, strategic partnerships, opportunity development and business growth initiatives.
The Business Development Lead owns territory strategy, pipeline development, account growth, and opportunity execution across the region, driving opportunities from early shaping through award and expansion.
Key responsibilities:
- Own and execute Shield AI's go-to-market strategy across assigned markets
- Build and grow a disciplined pipeline across autonomy, aircraft, ISR, and mission-system opportunities
- Lead end-to-end deal closure, including account planning, customer shaping, competitive positioning, proposal leadership, negotiation, and contract close
- Engage directly with senior military leaders, Ministries of Defence, procurement authorities, sovereign stakeholders, and strategic industry partners
- Represent and differentiate Shield AI's autonomy and aircraft portfolio
- Develop and manage regional partnerships, consultants, industrial participation structures, and offset-aligned strategies
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to support successful capture and delivery
- Maintain disciplined forecasting, pipeline management, opportunity tracking, and campaign reporting
- Provide regional market intelligence on competitor dynamics, customer demand, and political or operational risks
Requirements:
- Typically requires 6+ years of experience in business development, capture, sales, strategic engagement, account management, or related customer-facing roles within defence, aerospace, national security, or advanced technology environments
- Experience operating across international defence, government, or regulated markets
- Demonstrated success identifying, shaping, and advancing complex opportunities
- Strong executive presence and ability to build credibility with military, government, industry, and strategic partner stakeholders
- Technical aptitude and operational understanding of autonomous systems, ISR, mission systems, AI-enabled capabilities, or related defence technologies
Benefits:
- Comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location