Business Development & Sales Lead - UK

requirements at source — engaging with users, capability development functions, and acquisition intermediaries to position V-BAT before formal

requirements are crystallised Recognise and surface Hivemind mission autonomy opportunities that emerge through V-BAT customer engagement, and partner with the wider Shield AI BD team to progress them appropriately Lead proposal development in partnership with BD Operations and cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with customer

requirements and value propositions Conduct competitive analysis and position Shield AI's capability set effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder environments including those with restricted visibility Partner with Product, Engineering, and Solutions teams to translate operational customer needs into compelling technical and mission-relevant solutions — spanning both V-BAT and Hivemind where relevant Manage deal progression with rigour — qualification, deal strategy, forecasting accuracy, and CRM hygiene Represent Shield AI at relevant industry events, exercises, and customer engagements to expand market presence and pipeline Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and leadership on pipeline status, risks, and key milestones Measures of Success (First 6–12 Months) Credible pipeline generation within the special mission and UOR-adjacent customer set, anchored on V-BAT ISR Successful identification and shaping of at least one urgent or accelerated acquisition opportunity Improved deal velocity and win rates through disciplined qualification and customer positioning Identification of at least one Hivemind-relevant opportunity through V-BAT customer engagement Establishment of trusted relationships with key customer stakeholders, capability development functions, and strategic partners Consistent, accurate forecasting and high-quality CRM and pipeline hygiene Meaningful contribution to Shield AI revenue growth across the UK and European region Required

qualifications: Substantive operational background in the UK special operations, special mission, or high-readiness environment with experience in roles that bridged operational requirement and capability development Direct familiarity with how ISR capabilities are identified, trialled, acquired, and sustained in non-standard or time-sensitive procurement environments Demonstrated experience in capability development, capability acquisition, or working closely with the functions that sponsor and manage them — programme sponsors,

requirements owners, or acquisition support roles Proven track record of transitioning from military service into a commercial role selling defence capability back into the special operations or broader MoD customer base Deep understanding of UK defence acquisition processes, including formal procurement and accelerated or urgent pathways Strong experience developing and executing capture strategies for complex, relationship-driven opportunities Technical aptitude and ability to engage credibly with Engineering, Product, and Operational stakeholders on UAS ISR performance, integration, and broader autonomous systems Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills — particularly in environments where discretion and relationship trust are paramount Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of operating with a high degree of autonomy in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment Active SC clearance as a minimum; DV-cleared candidates or those with eligibility strongly preferred Preferred

qualifications: Prior commercial experience selling UAS, ISR, or autonomous systems — including AI-enabled mission systems — into UK defence or allied special operations customers Established relationships within the special operations or special mission community in a commercial capacity Familiarity with mission autonomy concepts and how AI-enabled systems are being considered within special operations and broader defence capability planning Experience engaging with Large Systems Integrators (LSIs) and strategic partners relevant to the UK UAS and autonomous systems market Familiarity with the broader UAS regulatory and airspace integration landscape in the UK and Europe Ability to travel as required for customer engagements and industry events Degree-level education or equivalent professional development \n 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.

A meeting lands on your calendar

If they’re a yes, I book the chat. You show up — that’s the whole job-hunt.