Strategic UK Defense BD Lead: ISR & Autonomy

Shield; Oslo; Hybrid; NOK 1,137,000 - 1,642,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Business Development Lead to drive growth for V-BAT ISR and Hivemind capabilities in the UK, focusing on defence and government customers in time-sensitive environments.

You will identify and shape urgent operational requirements, build trusted relationships with capability sponsors and programme offices, and lead cross-functional teams to position Shield AI’s autonomous systems across priority opportunities.

Qualifications

• Operational background in UK special operations/high-readiness environments
• Experience with how ISR capabilities are procured in time-sensitive environments
• Experience in capability development or acquisition-support roles
• Proven transition from military to commercial defence sales
• Understanding of UK defence acquisition processes including urgent pathways
• Experience developing and executing capture strategies for complex opportunities
• Technical aptitude to engage with Engineering/Product Stakeholders on UAS ISR
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management
• Autonomy and results-driven in fast-paced, mission-driven settings
• Active SC clearance or eligibility preferred

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the full sales lifecycle for V-BAT ISR opportunities across assigned accounts and territories.
• Identify, qualify, and prosecute urgent operational requirements (UOR) opportunities.
• Develop and execute territory and capture strategies for priority pursuits.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with decision-makers across the defence community.
• Shape requirements at the source by engaging with users and acquisition sponsors.
• Recognise Hivemind opportunities and collaborate with the BD team.
• Lead proposal development with BD Operations and cross-functional teams.
• Conduct competitive analysis and position Shield AI effectively in complex environments.
• Translate customer needs into compelling technical and mission-relevant solutions.
• Manage deal progression with rigorous qualification, strategy, and CRM hygiene.
• Represent Shield AI at industry events and customer engagements.
• Communicate pipeline status, risks, and milestones to leadership.

Skills

Strategic sales leadership

UAS/ISR market knowledge

Stakeholder management

Capture strategy development

Relationship building

UK MoD procurement familiarity

Proposal development

Negotiation

Customer engagement

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Business Development Lead to drive growth for V-BAT ISR and Hivemind capabilities in the UK, focusing on defence and government customers in time-sensitive environments.

You will identify and shape urgent operational requirements, build trusted relationships with capability sponsors and programme offices, and lead cross-functional teams to position Shield AI’s autonomous systems across priority opportunities.