Business Development Lead, Central Europe (DACH, Czech Republic, Slovakia) (R5054)

The role

Own and grow defence market business across Central Europe (DACH, Czech Republic, Slovakia). Lead the full deal cycle, from account planning and proposals to contract close, and manage relationships with senior military and government stakeholders.

What you will do

• Own and execute the 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 proposals, negotiation and contract close to meet or exceed sales quota
• Engage senior military leaders, Ministries of Defence, procurement authorities and strategic partners
• Represent and differentiate the autonomy and aircraft portfolio
• Develop regional partnerships, consultants and industrial participation structures
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to support capture and delivery
• Maintain forecasting, pipeline management and campaign reporting
• Provide regional market intelligence on competitors, demand and risks
• Support executive customer engagement after award

Required qualifications

• 6+ years in business development, capture, sales, account management or related customer-facing roles in defence, aerospace, national security or advanced technology
• Experience operating in international defence, government or regulated markets
• Proven success advancing complex, long-cycle opportunities with senior stakeholders
• Strong executive presence
• Technical aptitude in autonomous systems, ISR, mission systems or AI-enabled capabilities
• Strong communication, negotiation, stakeholder management and collaboration skills
• Willing and able to travel frequently
• Based in the region or willing to relocate within the territory
• Fluent in English and the regional languages relevant to the assigned market
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional, military or operational experience

Nice to have

• Experience with UAS, autonomy, ISR, mission systems, aerospace or AI-enabled operational capabilities
• Existing relationships across defence ministries, military organizations, procurement authorities or strategic partners in the territory
• Experience with direct commercial sales, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or international government procurement
• Prior military, operational defence, government or national security experience

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package aligned to the country office location (details from the talent acquisition partner)

Before you apply

• Based in the region, or willing to relocate to a strategic location within the territory

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defence technology company building AI pilots and autonomous aircraft, founded in 2015. Its products include V-BAT, X-BAT and Hivemind autonomy software.