Director, CCA Growth - Middle East

SHIELD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Abu Dhabi is seeking a strategic Director – CCAs, Middle East to lead sales, customer engagement, and capture efforts for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiatives across the region.

The role requires deep defense sales and technical credibility, with strong knowledge of CONOPS and acquisition frameworks. You will identify opportunities, close complex deals, and coordinate with engineering, product, and programs teams while traveling across the Middle East.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in a relevant air force occupation with CONOPs and platform applications
• 3-5+ years in defense acquisition, business development, sales, or strategy
• 5+ years regional experience in the Middle East defense sector
• Proven track record of capturing and closing defense programs with defense ministries or primes
• Knowledge of next-gen air combat trends (CCAs, MUM-T, AI-enabled CONOPS)
• Ability to present technically complex products to strategic and operational audiences
• Familiarity with regional acquisition pathways
• Willingness to live in Abu Dhabi and travel 30-50% across the Middle East

Responsibilities

• Drive Strategic Capture: identify, shape, and capture high-value opportunities in Middle East CCA programs
• Lead the full regional sales lifecycle from engagement to proposal, negotiation, and contract award
• Engage Ministries of Defence, primes, integrators, and partners to build trusted relationships
• Influence customer requirements and CONOPS to align with Shield AI products
• Lead positioning and participation in regional demonstrations and pilots
• Coordinate with engineering, product, legal, and program teams to align solutions with customer needs
• Provide field intelligence to guide product direction and roadmap priorities for Hivemind-enabled CCA solutions

Skills

Strategic sales

Stakeholder engagement

Program leadership

Job description

Shield AI in Abu Dhabi is seeking a strategic Director – CCAs, Middle East to lead sales, customer engagement, and capture efforts for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiatives across the region.

The role requires deep defense sales and technical credibility, with strong knowledge of CONOPS and acquisition frameworks. You will identify opportunities, close complex deals, and coordinate with engineering, product, and programs teams while traveling across the Middle East.