Senior Business Development Lead - Hivemind - Nordics

What you'll do:

Own and drive the full sales lifecycle for Hivemind opportunities across assigned accounts/territories (pipeline generation through close)
Develop and execute territory and capture strategies for priority pursuits, aligning with Shield AI’s long-term strategic plan
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 across defense and government customers
Lead proposal development in partnership with BD Operations and cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and value propositions
Conduct competitive analysis and position Hivemind effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
Partner with Product, Engineering, and Solutions teams to translate customer needs into compelling technical and operational solutions
Manage deal progression with rigour (qualification, deal strategy, forecasting accuracy, CRM hygiene)
Represent Shield AI at industry events, conferences, and customer engagements to expand market presence and pipeline
Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and leadership on pipeline status, risks, and key milestones

Required Qualifications:

10–15+ years of experience in business development, sales, or capture roles in technically complex domains (AI/ML, autonomy, SaaS, aerospace/defence, or similar)
Proven track record of owning and closing deals, particularly within European government or defence markets
Deep understanding of defence acquisition processes and government procurement lifecycle
Strong experience developing and executing capture strategies for complex opportunities
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

Preferred Qualifications

Experience selling autonomy, AI/ML, or unmanned systems (UAS) solutions
Prior military experience a plus
Established relationships within defense, government, or aerospace customer sets
Experience working with Large Systems Integrators (LSIs) and strategic partners
Ability to travel as needed for customer engagements and industry events
Active or eligibility for security clearance
MBA or equivalent graduate degree