Senior Defense BD Lead – Autonomy & AI Solutions

Lever, Inc.; Den Haag; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in the Netherlands seeks a high-performing Business Development / Account Executive to drive Hivemind Autonomy growth with defense and government customers. You will own the full sales lifecycle, shape capture strategies, and build trusted relationships with program offices and influencers across defense customers.

The ideal candidate is customer-first with technical credibility, navigates defence acquisitions, and has a proven record of winning large strategic accounts.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years in business development, sales or capture roles in technically complex domains.
• Proven track record closing deals in European government or defence markets.
• Deep understanding of defence procurement lifecycle.
• Experience developing and executing capture strategies for complex opportunities.
• Technical aptitude to engage with engineering, product, and operations.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive full sales lifecycle for Hivemind opportunities across accounts/territories.
• Develop and execute territory and capture strategies aligned with Shield AI's plan.
• Qualify and shape new opportunities through understanding missions, budgets and pathways.
• Build relationships with key decision-makers and program offices in defense/government.
• Lead proposal development with BD Ops and cross-functional teams.
• Conduct competitive analysis and position Hivemind in complex environments.
• Translate customer needs into technical and operational solutions with teams.
• Manage deal progression with qualification, strategy and CRM hygiene.
• Represent Shield AI at industry events and customer engagements.
• Communicate pipeline status, risks and milestones to leadership.

Skills

Business development

Sales leadership

Strategic capture

Stakeholder management

Technical credibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Shield AI in the Netherlands seeks a high-performing Business Development / Account Executive to drive Hivemind Autonomy growth with defense and government customers. You will own the full sales lifecycle, shape capture strategies, and build trusted relationships with program offices and influencers across defense customers.

The ideal candidate is customer-first with technical credibility, navigates defence acquisitions, and has a proven record of winning large strategic accounts.