Growth Leader, Middle East Defense BD

Front Door Defense

Abu Dhabi

On-site

AED 1,200,000 - 2,400,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Mission-driven environment

Pioneering AI defence tech

Global collaboration

Job summary

The Shield AI Head of Business Development, Middle East will lead the district's growth, engaging senior military, government, and industry partners to advance integrated campaigns across CENTCOM and GCC markets (excluding Saudi Arabia). Based in Abu Dhabi, you will own the district pipeline, forecast accuracy, and long-term market expansion in collaboration with country leads.

You will align cross-functional teams, drive strategic partnerships, and manage a district quota while guiding senior

Qualifications

10+ years in defence, military ops, BD, capture management or international government relations.
Deep knowledge of Shield AI systems (V-BAT, Hivemind, X-BAT) and deployment concepts.
Experience operating across multiple international markets within defence/aerospace/national security.
Proven ability to lead distributed, cross-functional teams and align senior stakeholders.
Strong executive presence with experience engaging senior military leadership and defense procurement.
Proven track record in pipeline development, capture strategy and complex closures.
Fluency in Arabic and English.
Bachelor degree or relevant military education preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as Shield AI's senior District representative across the Middle East with government and industry engagement.
Develop and execute a unified District strategy aligned with Middle East priorities.
Own district quota and sales performance including pipeline, forecast, and orders.
Coordinate Country Business Development Leads across the District to align market strategies.
Drive district growth across Shield AI's product portfolio (V-BAT, X-BAT, Hivemind).
Oversee cross-functional coordination to support capture, execution and outcomes.
Ensure successful execution of district opportunities with accountability for timelines and satisfaction.
Build a data-driven district pipeline and strategic partnerships to expand market access.
Identify and mitigate risks across the district and report to executives.