Type: Full-Time (40 hours/week)
Location: Tilburg, the Netherlands (on-site, with potential travel)
Company: AI Armaments – https://ai-armaments.com
About us:
Artillerie Inrichtingen Armaments B.V. (AIA) is a fast-growing company with a vision to strengthen the Netherlands’ self-reliance in ammunition production. The historic state company Artillerie Inrichtingen was founded during the 80 Years’ War and produced high-quality weapons and ammunition over the centuries. AIA has revived this legacy and is looking for enthusiastic professionals who want to contribute to enhancing national defence autonomy, ensuring that the Netherlands is independent from other countries when it comes to defending our freedom and democracy in critical times.
We are seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth, forge new partnerships, and position AI Armaments as a leader in the Dutch Defence industry. Do you feel energy and passion for this mission? Then you are the one we are looking for!
Job Description:
As business development manager you are intrinsically motivated to “provide the solution” and to bring in the clients and finally your sales. You are an ambassador of the organization, and you use your communication and sales skills to convince customers to work with you, but you are also discussion partners at a high-tech level. When you land a project, you are also jointly responsible for further follow-up including quotations, discussions with product specialists of the customer as well as our internal engineering team.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Partnerships: Develop relationships with key stakeholders in the defence, security, and AI technology sectors. Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, defence contractors, and strategic partners.
- Market Research: Analyse market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to identify new opportunities in AI-based defence solutions.
- Sales Strategy: Drive the end-to-end sales process, from lead generation and prospecting to contract negotiation and closing.
- Proposal Development: Collaborate with the product and technical teams to craft tailored solutions that meet client needs and align with industry standards.
- Project Management: Coordinate internally with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution of contracts and project milestones.
- Brand Positioning: Work closely with the marketing team to promote AI Armaments’ products and services at trade shows, conferences, and through digital channels.
Essential Qualifications:
- Education: Academic degree (Bachelor’s level) in Business, Engineering, Defence Studies, or a related field. A Master’s degree, MBA or equivalent is a plus.
- Experience: 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or account management, preferably within the defence, firearms or technology sectors. Proven experience in managing long sales cycles and high-value contracts.
- Language: Excellent proficiency in English is essential, while fluency in Dutch is considered an advantage.
- Security: Mandatory Dutch background check (VOG).
Skills and Attributes:
- Motivation: A strong passion for driving innovation in defence technologies and contributing to national security, with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.
- Proactive Approach: Confident in reaching out to new prospects and building relationships, unafraid to take the initiative in approaching potential clients.
- Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to forge meaningful business partnerships.
- Client Network: An established network of contacts within the defence industry, enabling immediate engagement with potential clients and partners.
- Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with defence and military procurement processes. A general technical knowledge of weapons, ammunition, and other defence-related products is a plus.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse market trends, assess opportunities, and make data-driven decisions.
- Flexibility: Willingness to travel as needed for meetings, conferences and trade events.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary with good secondary benefits.
- All the tools you need to perform, such as training, laptop, phone, travel coverage, etc.
- Professional growth in a rapidly evolving company, at the forefront of technological development.
- A social and dynamic working environment with a collaborative and innovative company culture.
- The opportunity to grow with us and contribute to a significant mission in the Dutch defence industry.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in the Dutch defence industry in general and our rapidly growing company in particular, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter to info@ai-armaments.com, detailing your experience and why you would be a great fit for AIA.
