Senior Defense BD Lead - Hivemind Autonomy UK

Shield; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI seeks a high-performing Senior Business Development Lead to drive growth for Hivemind Autonomy across the UK, focusing on defense and government customers. You will own the full sales lifecycle, shape capture strategies, and translate customer missions into compelling operational solutions.

You will collaborate with Product, Engineering, and Solutions teams, manage deals with rigor, and represent Shield AI at industry events to expand market presence and pipeline.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of experience in business development, sales, or capture roles in technically complex domains.
• Proven track record of owning and closing deals 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.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the full sales lifecycle for Hivemind opportunities across assigned accounts/territories.
• Develop and execute territory and capture strategies for priority pursuits.
• Identify, qualify, and shape new opportunities through deep understanding of missions, budgets, and pathways.
• Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers across defense and government customers.
• Lead proposal development with BD Operations and cross-functional teams.
• Conduct competitive analysis and position Hivemind in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Partner with Product, Engineering, and Solutions teams to translate customer needs into solutions.
• Manage deal progression with qualification, strategy, and CRM hygiene.
• Represent Shield AI at industry events to expand market presence and pipeline.
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders on pipeline status and risks.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Technical aptitude

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

Job description

Shield AI seeks a high-performing Senior Business Development Lead to drive growth for Hivemind Autonomy across the UK, focusing on defense and government customers. You will own the full sales lifecycle, shape capture strategies, and translate customer missions into compelling operational solutions.

You will collaborate with Product, Engineering, and Solutions teams, manage deals with rigor, and represent Shield AI at industry events to expand market presence and pipeline.