Senior Director, Hivemind Autonomy Sales - ASME (R4767)
Shield AI
Sales & Business Development
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking an accomplished Sales leader to scale our Hivemind Autonomy Sales organization in the Middle East/Asia Pacific GEO. This leader will drive revenue growth, increase execution rigor, and evolve our go-to-market (GTM) approach as the autonomy market accelerates.
Partnering closely with the overall GEO Leader, Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Customer Engagement, you’ll align GTM strategy with customer outcomes and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a technical, customer-first sales leader with strong GTM instincts and a track record developing high-performing teams.
What you'll do:
- Lead and develop the Middle East/Asia Pacific GEO Hivemind Autonomy sales team; raise the bar on talent, coaching, and execution
- Refine coverage, roles, and capacity to improve focus, speed, and results
- Own the Middle East/Asia Pacific GEO GTM Hivemind specialist plan (segmentation, ICP, account/territory strategy, pipeline generation, competitive positioning).
- Partner closely with the GEO Sales team to align strategy and execution—clarifying ownership, maintaining transparent communication, and driving coordinated pursuits that accelerate growth.
- Drive operating rhythm and predictability (forecasting, deal reviews, MBRs/QBRs, dashboards, core metrics/OKRs)
- Improve sales processes and systems (qualification, CRM hygiene, deal stages, governance) for repeatable performance
- Lead key pursuits and executive customer engagements in complex, multi-stakeholder deals
- Build and expand relationships with Large Systems Integrators (LSIs) and strategic partners to accelerate wins
- Communicate clearly and influence effectively with customers, prospects, and internal stakeholders
Measures of Success (First 6-12 Months):
- More accurate forecasts and stronger pipeline hygiene with a consistent operating cadence
- Improved win rate and deal velocity through sharper qualification and repeatable motions
- Stronger territory/account strategy, pipeline generation, and coverage model across the Middle East / Asia Pacific GEO; including emerging markets and partner ecosystem
Required qualifications:
- 10+ years of B2B sales experience in technically complex products (AI/ML, autonomy, SaaS, cybersecurity, aerospace/defense, or similar)
- 5+ years of sales leadership with strong coaching, performance management, and team development outcomes
- Working understanding of Middle East and Asia Pacific defense and commercial landscapes, including regional cultures, business practices, and partner models.
- Proven success scaling an existing sales team and driving consistent revenue results
- Strong technical aptitude and credibility with technical and operational stakeholders
- Strong GTM fundamentals (segmentation, coverage models, pipeline strategy, positioning
- Excellent executive communication and cross-functional influence
- Bachelor’s degree required
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience selling into defense, government, aerospace, or enterprise environments
- Experience with Large Systems Integrators and partner-led programs
- Familiarity selling autonomy/AI-enabled software or mission systems into defense and/or aerospace customers, including the ability to translate capability into operational outcomes.
- Understanding of defense acquisition pathways and constraints (e.g., FMS/DCS, OTAs/IDIQs) and exportcontrolled environments (ITAR/EAR). Location/Language/Travel Preferences
- Willingness to Travel Extensively Across the Middle East / Asia Pacific Region
- Ability to operate in-market, sustain customer proximity, and lead engagements across GEO