Business Development Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Netherlands, +1 more country.

📋 Description

• Take ownership and lead the business development strategy for Destinus throughout Europe, outlining priority markets, customers, and initiatives.

• Establish and nurture trusted relationships with key stakeholders in defense ministries, armed forces, government agencies, defense contractors, and strategic partners.

• Recognize, assess, and develop significant defense opportunities from initial engagement through to proposal, negotiation, and contract finalization.

• Cultivate a deep understanding of European defense priorities, procurement processes, capability gaps, and the competitive landscape.

• Formulate market entry strategies and develop strategic partnerships in key European nations.

• Represent Destinus at senior-level customer meetings, industry events, demonstrations, and strategic interactions.

• Manage the European opportunity pipeline, ensuring effective prioritization, forecasting, and execution.

• Collaborate closely with Destinus leadership and cross-functional teams on strategic accounts and high-value opportunities.

• Offer strategic guidance and senior-level support to Business Development Managers across European markets.

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive experience in business development, sales, or strategy within the defense, aerospace, UAVs, autonomous systems, or closely related industries.

• Proven track record of developing business relationships with European defense clients, governmental bodies, armed forces, or major industry leaders.

• A robust network within the European defense sector and established credibility with senior military, governmental, and industry figures.

• Demonstrated success in shaping and securing complex, high-value opportunities.

• Strong understanding of European defense procurement, government contracting, and multinational defense initiatives.

• Excellent commercial acumen and the ability to convert market opportunities into actionable business strategies.

• Experience in leading negotiations, forming strategic partnerships, crafting proposals, and engaging with major customers.

• Exceptional English communication skills.

• Proficiency in additional European languages is highly regarded.

• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Europe and internationally.

• Eligibility to work with defense-related technologies and to obtain necessary security clearances when required.

• Possess strategic thinking, a strong commercial mindset, a bias for action, autonomy, cross-cultural adaptability, ambition, collaboration, ownership, and integrity.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

• A dynamic and supportive work environment.

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

• Flexible working arrangements.