Senior UAE Defense BD Executive – Autonomy

SHIELD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a high-performing Business Development / Account Executive to drive Hivemind Autonomy growth across the Middle East, focusing on UAE defense and government customers. You will own the full sales lifecycle, shape capture strategies, and build relationships with key decision-makers to deliver mission-critical autonomy solutions.

The ideal candidate brings a track record of closing complex deals, strong understanding of defense procurement, and the ability to translate customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10-15+ years in BD/sales or capture in defense/AI/autonomy.
• Fluent in Arabic and English.
• Experience with UAE government/defense markets.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Own full sales lifecycle from pipeline to close in the UAE.
• Develop territory and capture strategies for priority pursuits.
• Qualify and shape new opportunities by understanding missions and budgets.
• Build relationships with defense program offices and decision-makers.
• Lead proposal development with cross-functional teams.
• Conduct competitive analysis and position Hivemind in complex environments.
• Partner with product and engineering to translate needs into solutions.
• Manage deal progression with qualification and CRM hygiene.
• Represent Shield AI at industry events to expand pipeline.
• Report pipeline status to leadership with risks and milestones.

Skills

Business development

Defense markets

Arabic & English

Capture strategies

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a high-performing Business Development / Account Executive to drive Hivemind Autonomy growth across the Middle East, focusing on UAE defense and government customers. You will own the full sales lifecycle, shape capture strategies, and build relationships with key decision-makers to deliver mission-critical autonomy solutions.

The ideal candidate brings a track record of closing complex deals, strong understanding of defense procurement, and the ability to translate customer