pShield 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 . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and YouTube . /ph3Job Description: /h3pShield AI is seeking a high-performing Business Development Lead to drive defence market growth, customer engagement, and business expansion across assigned markets in Italy. As Shield AI’s territory leader, this individual will represent Shield AI’s autonomy and aircraft portfolio, including V-BAT, X-BAT, ViDAR-enabled ISR capabilities, and Hivemind autonomy software across customer engagements, operational demonstrations, strategic partnerships, opportunity development, and business growth initiatives. /ppThe Business Development Lead owns territory strategy, pipeline development, account growth, and opportunity execution across Italy, driving opportunities from early shaping through award and expansion. This role combines strategic business development, account leadership, and revenue generation in a fast-paced international defence environment. Additionally, this person will carry a sales quota for their assigned territory. /ppThe ideal candidate is a customer-focused and technically credible leader with strong commercial instincts, experience navigating defence acquisition environments, and a proven track record of growing strategic accounts and delivering mission-critical outcomes. /ph3What you'll do: /h3ulliOwn and execute Shield AI’s go-to-market strategy across assigned markets, aligning territory activities with strategic growth priorities and customer mission requirements. /liliBuild and grow a disciplined pipeline across autonomy, aircraft, ISR, and mission-system opportunities aligned with regional defence priorities. /liliLead end-to-end deal closure, including account planning, customer shaping, competitive positioning, proposal leadership, negotiation,



and contract close to meet or exceed carried sales quota. /liliEngage directly with senior military leaders, Ministries of Defence, procurement authorities, sovereign stakeholders, and strategic industry partners across the territory. /liliRepresent and differentiate Shield AI’s autonomy and aircraft portfolio by clearly articulating mission outcomes, operational advantages, and integration pathways. /liliDevelop and manage regional partnerships, consultants, industrial participation structures, and offset-aligned strategies that expand market access and accelerate execution. /liliCoordinate cross-functional teams across Business Development, Product, Engineering, Government Relations, Legal, Contracts, Export Compliance, Operations, and Customer teams to support successful capture and delivery. /liliMaintain disciplined forecasting, pipeline management, opportunity tracking, and campaign reporting across the territory. /liliProvide regional market intelligence on competitor dynamics, customer demand, and political or operational risks. /liliSupport executive customer engagement after award to support customer success, follow-on growth, and long-term account expansion. /li /ulh3Required qualifications: /h3ulliTypically requires 6+ years of experience in business development, capture, sales, strategic engagement, account management, or related customer-facing roles within defence, aerospace, national security, or advanced technology environments. /liliDemonstrated success identifying, shaping, and advancing complex opportunities involving long sales cycles, senior stakeholders, and technically differentiated solutions. /liliStrong executive presence and ability to build credibility with military, government, industry, and strategic partner stakeholders. /liliStrong communication, negotiation, stakeholder management,



and cross-functional collaboration skills. /liliFluency in English and regional languages relevant to the assigned market. /liliBachelor’s degree or equivalent professional, military, or operational experience preferred. /li /ulh3Preferred qualifications: /h3ulliPrevious experience working in a consultancy environment is highly desirable, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, navigate complex client requirements, and deliver solutions in a fast-paced, project-driven setting. /liliExperience with UAS, autonomy, ISR, mission systems, aerospace, or AI-enabled operational capabilities. /liliExisting relationships across defence ministries, military organizations, procurement authorities, or strategic industry partners within the assigned territory. /liliExperience supporting direct commercial sales, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), or international government procurement programs. /liliPrior military, operational defence, government, or national security experience. /li /ulh3Why join Shield AI: /h3ulliHelp build the defining defence technology company of this century. /liliWork at the forefront of AI, autonomy, and next-generation defence systems. /liliOperate in a highly entrepreneurial and mission-driven environment. /liliMake a direct impact on international growth and strategic defence partnerships. /liliCollaborate with exceptional teams solving some of the world’s most complex operational challenges. /li /ulpOur 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. /ppWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Senior Business Development Lead - Italy (Roma)
🏢 Shield
📍 Roma