Director of Business Development - Defense (Europe)

Description We are looking for a high-impact Business Development Director to lead our growth within the defense and government sectors in Europe and ROW. This is a role for a closer - someone who possesses the strategic "startup hustle" to navigate emerging tech landscapes and the professional "defense-sector polish" to seal high-stakes defense contracts. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of securing wins with the Defense Organizations and thrives in high-growth, venture-backed environments. The Mission As the Director of Business Development, you will be the primary engine for our market expansion. You won’t just be "opening doors" or managing partnerships; you will own the entire lifecycle of the deal—from initial capture and strategic positioning to final contract closing. Must-Have Requirements Experience: 8+ years of professional experience, with a heavy focus on the defense and government sectors. Deal Ownership: A documented history of closing complex deals with federal and defense customers. The Startup Edge: Direct experience working within a startup environment. You understand how to build processes where they don't exist and move at the speed of innovation. Location: Must be based in Europe, Nordics is a plus. Nice-to-Have Maritime/Naval Expertise: Specific experience in shipbuilding, naval systems, autonomous maritime contexts, or maritime defense is a significant plus. Growth Pedigree: Previous roles at venture-backed, high-growth defense tech companies. Strategic Scope: Demonstrated experience as a Director or Senior IC owning capture efforts, strategic partnerships, and new business wins. Career Stability: A history of sustained tenure and professional growth within organizations (we value "builders" over "hoppers"). Key Responsibilities Lead Capture & Closing: Own the end-to-end sales cycle for major government and defense contracts. Strategic Growth: Identify and penetrate new market segments within the DoD and federal government. Partnership Architecture: Build and manage strategic relationships that lead directly to revenue and mission success. Market Intelligence: Translate complex government requirements into actionable product feedback for our engineering and product teams.