Sales & Business Development Director – Defence & Maritime Security

THE COMPANY

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.

Saildrone's manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.

THE POSITION

The Sales & Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying, developing, shaping, and capturing business opportunities across defence, maritime security, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime domain awareness, and hydrographic sectors.

The successful candidate will establish and maintain relationships with defence and government stakeholders, military end users, procurement organizations, defence industry partners, maritime agencies, and commercial customers while driving the adoption of Saildrone's autonomous maritime solutions and services.

While the primary responsibility will be Germany, the role will also support selected strategic opportunities across Eastern Europe.

As Saildrone expands its Fleet of autonomous vessels, commercial activities, customer engagements, and operational footprint the successful candidate will be expected to assume a leadership role in building and growing the demand and European infrastructure for Saildrone's next generation platform helping establish the foundation for long-term growth in one of Saildrone's most important international markets.

The ideal candidate will combine strong defence sales experience, deep knowledge of the German and European defence ecosystem, an understanding of government and political processes, and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior military, government, and industry leaders.

THE TEAM

The European Sales & Business Development team at Saildrone Europe is responsible for driving the company's growth and market expansion across Europe and selected international markets. The team works closely with government agencies, defence organizations, maritime security stakeholders, research institutions, and commercial customers to identify opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and deliver innovative maritime domain awareness, Bathymetry, and Meteorology and Oceanography solutions. Through customer engagement, market analysis, proposal development, contract negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration with product, engineering, operations, and executive leadership, the team helps shape Saildrone's regional strategy and ensures customers realize the full value of Saildrone's autonomous maritime technologies. Our mission is to strengthen maritime security, enhance situational awareness, and support data-driven decision-making through persistent, autonomous ocean intelligence.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute Saildrone's sales and business development strategy across Germany and Selected Eastern European Countries.
• Identify, qualify, shape, and capture opportunities for Saildrone's autonomous maritime solutions and associated data services.
• Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline that supports ambitious revenue growth objectives.
• Lead customer engagements from opportunity identification through contract award and execution.
• Develop account strategies and long-term customer engagement plans.
• Achieve annual sales targets and contribute to Saildrone's regional growth objectives.
• Support proposal development, contract negotiations, commercial discussions, and bid submissions.
• Act as a subjected matter expert of our next generation platform
• Establish and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders
• Develop a detailed understanding of customer requirements, capability priorities, and future acquisition programs.
• Represent Saildrone at military exercises, trials, demonstrations, conferences, and industry events.
• Support customer operational evaluations and capability demonstrations
• Build relationships with UK and international defence primes, shipbuilders, system integrators, and maritime technology providers.
• Support industrial cooperation, offset, and localization discussions where appropriate

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 8 years of experience in defence, maritime, aerospace, security, or government sales.
• Proven track record of winning and growing complex defence and government business opportunities.
• Strong commercial sales background with responsibility for customer relationships, revenue generation, and business growth.
• Extensive knowledge of the German and European defence acquisition and procurement environment.
• Strong understanding of Germanys governmental and political processes influencing defence spending and capability development.
• Established network across Germanys defence, maritime, and security sectors.
• Experience in engaging with senior military officers, government officials, and industry executives.
• Excellent presentation, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a geographically dispersed team.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Germany and Europe,
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain Security Clearance in Germany.

Saildrone offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits tailored to each global region. Please note that specific benefits listed below may vary or be adapted for roles based in Denmark in accordance with local labor standards and Danish market practices.

To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.

BENEFITS

At Saildrone, we're building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team's well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.