Business Development Manager (Europe, Defense & Government Markets)

Company Description

Sky Spy is a fast-growing dual-use startup developing the next generation of multi-domain RF intelligence solutions for contested environments. We are backed by leading European VCs, combat veterans, and technologists. Our mission is to deliver intelligence that saves lives and empowers allied forces worldwide.

Role Description

We are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager to drive Sky Spy's commercial growth across European defense and government markets. You will identify, develop, and close new opportunities, build trusted relationships with customers and partners, and manage the full business development cycle from initial engagement through contract award.

This is a hands-on role with a high level of ownership. You will work closely with Sky Spy's leadership, product, and engineering teams to translate operational needs into commercial opportunities, support market-entry priorities, and expand our presence across Europe.

Location - Remote (Europe).

Candidates should be based in Europe and able to travel regularly.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, develop, and close new business opportunities across European defense and government markets.
• Own the full business development cycle, including stakeholder mapping, outreach, qualification, demonstrations, proposals, negotiations, and contract award.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with armed forces, government agencies, procurement authorities, defense primes, integrators, OEMs, and strategic partners.
• Develop and manage a structured sales pipeline and maintain accurate CRM records.
• Participate in product demos and exercises together with technical and operational teams.
• Identify and manage RFIs, RFPs, tenders, framework agreements, and partner-led procurement opportunities, coordinating high-quality submissions
• Develop commercial and integration partnerships.
• Work closely with product and engineering teams to translate customer feedback into product updates.
• Monitor procurement programs, market developments, customer needs, policy changes, and competitive activity to identify new opportunities.
• Represent Sky Spy at industry events, e.g exhibitions, and relevant conferences.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience in business development, sales, or/and key account management within defense, aerospace, dual-use technology, or national security.
• Proven track record of developing and closing complex, high-value B2G or B2B opportunities.
• Strong understanding of the European defense market, government procurement processes, and the stakeholder environment surrounding it.
• Demonstrated ability to build credibility and engage senior stakeholders across military, government, and industry organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, negotiation, and proposal-development skills.
• Strong ability to understand complex products, operational use cases, and customer requirements.
• Self-directed, structured, persistent, and comfortable managing multiple opportunities in a fast-moving startup environment.
• Fluent professional English.

Bonus Points

• Military, procurement, or operational end-user background.
• Direct experience with SIGINT, EW, UAS, or Counter-UAS technologies.
• Established network within European MODs, armed forces, NATO organizations, primes, integrators, or relevant procurement bodies.
• Experience with government tenders, funded defense programs, grants, or strategic capture activities.
• Professional proficiency in an additional European language.
• Experience working in an early-stage or rapidly scaling technology company.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary and generous commission-based bonuses.
• Company equity package.
• Opportunities for international travel.
• Company-paid coworking space.
• Dynamic and flexible work schedule.
• The opportunity to contribute directly to meaningful technology that protects lives.