Senior Business Development Lead - Hivemind - UK

Job description

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 . 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. 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. This role is responsible for identifying, shaping, and closing complex opportunities while building enduring customer relationships and executing disciplined capture strategies. What you'll do: Own and drive the full sales lifecycle for Hivemind opportunities across assigned accounts/territories (pipeline generation through close) Develop and execute territory and capture strategies for priority pursuits, aligning with Shield AI’s long-term strategic plan Identify, qualify, and shape new business opportunities through deep understanding of customer missions, budgets, and acquisition pathways Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, program offices, and influencers across defense and government customers 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 Hivemind effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder environments Partner with Product, Engineering, and Solutions teams to translate customer needs into compelling technical and operational solutions Manage deal progression with rigour (qualification, deal strategy, forecasting accuracy, CRM hygiene) Represent Shield AI at industry events, conferences, and customer engagements to expand market presenc…