Senior Business Development Lead - Hivemind - UK

<div><span data-contrast="auto">Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT&nbsp;aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://shield.ai/"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">www.shield.ai</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. Follow Shield AI on&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">LinkedIn</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://x.com/shieldaitech"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">X</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">,&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Instagram</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, and&nbsp;</span><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">YouTube</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}">&nbsp;</span></div><div><br></div><div> <div> <p>Shield AI is seeking a high-performing Senior Business Development Lead to drive growth for Hivemind Autonomy across the UK, with a primary focus on defense and government customers.</p> <p>Hivemind is Shield AI’s AI-powered autonomy software platform that enables intelligent aircraft, drones, and robotic systems to operate autonomously in complex and contested environments. It provides mission autonomy capabilities including navigation, teaming, decision-making, and autonomous mission execution across crewed and uncrewed systems.</p> <p>This role is responsible for identifying, shaping, and closing complex opportunities while building enduring customer relationships and executing disciplined capture strategies.</p> </div> </div><br><strong>What you'll do:</strong><br><div> <div> <li>Own and drive the full sales lifecycle for Hivemind opportunities across assigned accounts/territories (pipeline generation through close)</li> <li>Develop and execute territory and capture strategies for priority pursuits, aligning with Shield AI’s long-term strategic plan</li> <li>Identify, qualify, and shape new business opportunities through deep understanding of customer missions, budgets, and acquisition pathways</li> <li>Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, program offices, and influencers across defense and government customers</li> <li>Lead proposal development in partnership with BD Operations and cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and value propositions</li> <li>Conduct competitive analysis and position Hivemind effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder environments</li> <li>Partner with Product, Engineering, and Solutions teams to translate customer needs into compelling technical and operational solutions</li> <li>Manage deal progression with rigour (qualification, deal strategy, forecasting accuracy, CRM hygiene)</li> <li>Represent Shield AI at industry events, conferences, and customer engagements to expand market presence and pipeline</li> <li>Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and leadership on pipeline status, risks, and key milestones</li> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div><br><strong>Required Qualifications: </strong><br><div> <div> <li>10–15+ years of experience in business development, sales, or capture roles in technically complex domains (AI/ML, autonomy, SaaS, aerospace/defence, or similar)</li> <li>Proven track record of owning and closing deals, particularly within European government or defence markets</li> <li>Deep understanding of defence acquisition processes and government procurement lifecycle</li> <li>Strong experience developing and executing capture strategies for complex opportunities</li> <li>Technical aptitude and ability to engage credibly with Engineering, Product, and Operational stakeholders</li> <li>Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills</li> <li>Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of operating in a fast-paced environment</li> <li>Bachelor’s degree required</li> </div> </div><br><strong>Preferred Qualifications: </strong><br><div> <div> <li>Experience selling autonomy, AI/ML, or unmanned systems (UAS) solutions</li> <li>Prior military experience a plus</li> <li>Established relationships within defense, government, or aerospace customer sets</li> <li>Experience working with Large Systems Integrators (LSIs) and strategic partners</li> <li>Ability to travel as needed for customer engagements and industry events</li> <li>Active or eligibility for security clearance</li> <li>MBA or equivalent graduate degree</li> </div> </div><div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 16px;">Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.</span></div><p>Find <a href="https://www.arbeitnow.co.uk">Jobs in United Kingdom</a> on Arbeitnow</a>