At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with senior stakeholders and shape new business opportunities across Europe & Africa.
- Company: Join Shield AI, a leader in defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive rewards package, entrepreneurial environment, and impactful work.
- Other info: Collaborate with exceptional teams tackling complex operational challenges.
- Why this job: Make a difference in international growth and strategic defence partnerships.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in government, diplomacy, or advanced technology roles with strong stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 180000 £ per year.
The Senior Director of Strategic Engagement for Europe & Africa is a senior regional leader responsible for advancing Shield AI’s strategic position across Europe & Africa through high-value external engagement, relationship development, market insight, and business enablement. This role works across the regional business development organization to expand access to senior stakeholders, strengthen Shield AI’s brand, inform regional strategy, and support the pursuit of new business opportunities across the company’s technology portfolio. This position operates at the intersection of business development, government relations, strategic communications, and executive relationship management. The Senior Director of Strategic Engagement does not own an individual sales quota but is expected to contribute meaningfully to team success through pipeline generation, closed bookings, opportunity shaping, senior-level access, and the quality and frequency of external engagements.
What you’ll do:
- Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior defense, government, diplomatic, political, and industry stakeholders across Europe & Africa to increase Shield AI’s strategic access and long‑term market position.
- Create opportunities for the regional business development team by opening doors with key decision‑makers, facilitating senior introductions, and helping position Shield AI in priority accounts, markets, and partner ecosystems.
- Represent Shield AI at external engagements such as conferences, panels, roundtables, executive meetings, and government or industry forums, strengthening the company’s visibility, credibility, and thought leadership in the region.
- Identify and help shape new business opportunities by surfacing customer priorities, partnership pathways, and regional developments that can influence pipeline creation and long‑term growth.
- Advise the Shield AI executive team, fellow business development leaders, and other internal leaders on regional strategy by bringing forward actionable insight on market dynamics, stakeholder sentiment, policy context, and competitive positioning.
- Partner closely with regional business development leaders and cross‑functional teams to align external engagement activity with campaign priorities, product positioning, and broader market expansion efforts.
- Help address complex or sensitive customer, partner, and market challenges by applying sound judgment, senior presence, and strategic problem‑solving to move critical initiatives forward.
Required qualifications:
- 15+ years of experience in government, diplomacy, defense, aerospace, national security, international affairs, or advanced technology business development or strategic engagement roles.
- Demonstrated success working with senior government, military, diplomatic, or industry stakeholders in complex international environments.
- Strong understanding of the defense, security, or public‑sector landscape in Europe and/or Africa, including the importance of stakeholder relationships, market access, and institutional decision‑making.
- Proven ability to influence outcomes without direct authority through credibility, judgment, communication, and relationship management.
- Excellent executive communication and presentation skills, including the ability to represent an organization effectively in high‑profile external settings.
- Experience operating cross‑functionally and supporting strategic initiatives across business development, partnerships, product, and leadership teams.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently across Europe & Africa to support customer, partner, and industry engagement.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience serving as a public‑facing representative for an organization in policy, defense, diplomatic, or international business settings.
- Established network across relevant defense, government, diplomatic, and industrial stakeholders in Europe & Africa.
- Experience supporting international market expansion, strategic partnerships, or regional growth initiatives in defense or dual‑use technology sectors.
- Deep familiarity with AI, autonomy, unmanned systems, aerospace, or related defense technology markets.
- Advanced degree in international affairs, public policy, business, engineering, or a related field.
Why join Shield AI:
- Help build the defining defence technology company of this century.
- Work at the forefront of AI, autonomy, and next‑generation defence systems.
- Operate in a highly entrepreneurial and mission‑driven environment.
- Make a direct impact on international growth and strategic defence partnerships.
- Collaborate with exceptional teams solving some of the world’s most complex operational challenges.
Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.
Senior Director of Strategic Engagement in London employer: Shield AI
At Shield AI, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and mission-driven work culture. As a Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, you will have the opportunity to build influential relationships across Europe & Africa while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in defence technology. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our collaborative environment, where your insights will directly shape strategic initiatives and drive international success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director of Strategic Engagement in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry leaders, attend conferences, and engage in discussions. Building relationships is key to landing that Senior Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you meet potential employers or stakeholders, don’t hold back on sharing your insights about the defence landscape. Your knowledge can set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in seeking opportunities. If you hear about a potential project or partnership, reach out and express your interest. It shows initiative and can lead to valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our mission. Don’t miss out on the chance to join us at Shield AI and make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director of Strategic Engagement in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in government, diplomacy, and strategic engagement. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Senior Director of Strategic Engagement.
Showcase Your Relationships:Emphasise your ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've opened doors and created opportunities in your previous roles, as this is key for us.
Highlight Your Insights:Demonstrate your understanding of the defence and public-sector landscape in Europe and Africa. We’re looking for candidates who can provide actionable insights on market dynamics and stakeholder sentiment, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shield AI
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders in the defence and government sectors relevant to Shield AI. Understand their priorities and challenges, as this will help you demonstrate your ability to build and sustain trusted relationships.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Insight
Prepare to discuss your experience in shaping business opportunities and influencing outcomes without direct authority. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic problem-solving skills and how you've navigated complex international environments.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice your executive communication skills by presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. Be ready to articulate how you can represent Shield AI effectively in high-profile external settings, such as conferences or government forums.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Shield AI’s mission and values. During the interview, express how your background in advanced technology and international affairs aligns with their goals, particularly in building strategic partnerships and expanding market access.
