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 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 www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
The Business Development Manager - Belgium, NATO & Luxembourg will be responsible for building Shield AI’s business opportunities primarily in Belgium, NATO & Luxembourg focused on orders execution and growth. He/she will be responsible for engaging with customers, NATO (and NSPO) officials, attending events, and product demonstrations. This person will operate on a small team with a demanding work and travel schedule and a very high level of responsibility and accountability to perform and deliver results, but will undoubtedly have the opportunity to make an outsized impact and become a major contributor to the company.
What You'll do:
Engage with customers and NATO regularly to present and offer Shield AI´s product portfolio
Attend trade shows, exhibitions, or other industry events to expose Shield AI products
Devise and coordinate marketing and government relations opportunities
Build and devise the structure of industry partnerships
Plan and execute product demonstrations
Work cross-functionally to provide responses to or address customers needs
Lead proposal response
Develop offset strategies
Required Qualifications
Exceptional communicator: strong written, verbal, and presentation skills and the ability to communicate seamlessly at all levels of business and government
Charismatic leader, with the ability to motivate and inspire others and impart excitement about Shield AI’s mission, technology, and products
Desire to help build the defining defense technology company of this century
Thorough understanding and knowledge of the military operations and the acquisition process that allows you to maintain strong customer relations
>6 Years of relevant military or prior defense industry or other international business experience
Self-motivated and results-oriented, with demonstrated success in meeting and exceeding critical goals and deadlines
Strong international relationships and demonstrated ability to work well across and with various cultures, customs, etc.
Strong technical knowledge within the UAV and/or AI disciplines (or demonstrated desire ability to learn quickly)
Willing and able to travel internationally, frequently and without restriction, including customer sites
Team oriented with the ability to communicate with a understanding of nuances associated with being collaborative while also being blunt and forthright
Technically competent in the myriad of systems that are required to function at the speed of business
Bachelor’s Degree or appropriate military education
Preferred Qualifications
Specific strategy or business development experience in Europe (focus Belgium, NATO & Luxembourg)
Specific background and experience in working with NATO and NSPO (Foreign Military Funding (FMF), Foreign Military Sales (FMS))
Prior UAV or AI business development experience in a defense-related context
Proven leadership and/or operational experience within the DoD or international equivalents (e.g., MoD)
Demonstrated understanding of specific Army/Navy/etc. operational scenarios and systems
Strong research and analysis skills
Relevant Foreign Language Skills (e.g., European languages)
