About the Position

Business Development Lead

Location: Ukraine

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking a Business Development Lead-a strategic and proactive leader responsible for expanding company market share, driving business growth, and managing the end-to-end sales cycle: from initial outreach and requirement gathering (working with defense forces, government agencies, and procurement bodies) to deal closing and long-term partnership management. This role focuses on strategic market analysis, contract acquisition, and relationship management, backed by a deep understanding of the Defense Tech (MilTech) landscape and its regulatory frameworks.

The Business Development Lead works directly with executive leadership and cross-functionally coordinates with R&D, marketing, and legal teams to achieve company revenue and expansion goals.

Responsibilities

MilTech Market Intelligence: Conduct market research, track industry trends, monitor competitive dynamics, and analyze end-user needs to shape growth strategies.
Client & Partner Acquisition: Proactively identify and engage prospective clients (charitable funds, government agencies, defense units) and strategic partners in Ukraine and globally.
C-Level Negotiations & Contracting: Conduct high-level negotiations, pitch proprietary tech solutions, and manage deal flow from lead qualification through to contract execution.
Product Feedback Loop: Translate client feedback, operational requirements, and market demands to engineering teams to guide product development or adaptation.
Proposals & Tenders: Prepare commercial proposals, manage tender bids, and participate in grant programs and defense hackathons.
Networking & Events: Represent the company at trade shows, defense exhibitions, and industry conferences to increase brand visibility and cultivate high-value networks.
Risk Management: Evaluate commercial, regulatory, and compliance risks when expanding into new markets or closing long-term agreements.
Pipeline Management & Analytics: Maintain CRM hygiene, analyze acquisition channels, track sales forecasts, and deliver regular performance metrics to leadership.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics, Marketing, Business Management, International Relations, or Engineering/Technical fields.
Experience: 3+ years of business development or sales leadership experience, ideally within Tech, IT, Manufacturing, or MilTech/Defense sectors.
Domain Knowledge: Understanding of the MilTech/Defense landscape, including government procurement protocols, defense forces interaction, and volunteer foundations.
Communication & Sales Skills: Proven presentation, negotiation, and closing skills, with a track record of handling objections and cultivating long-term client partnerships.
Language Proficiency: Fluent Ukrainian and Upper-Intermediate (B2) English or higher for international partner engagement.
Mindset: High accountability, proactive drive, structured analytical thinking, and comfortable navigating rapid change and ambiguity.

Nice to Have

Hands-on experience with international defense contracts and export control regulations.

We Offer

Formal Employment & Full Social Package: Official employment from Day 1 in compliance with Ukrainian labor legislation, including paid annual leave, sick leave, and full social security protection.
Competitive Compensation: Transparent salary review framework aligned with market benchmarks to ensure fair pay.
Career Growth & Advancement: Structured avenues for horizontal and vertical progression in a company committed to long-term talent retention.
Cutting-Edge Tech Environment: Work alongside industry experts in a dynamic, high-tech defense sector.
100% Covered Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance prioritizing employee physical and mental well-being.
100% Covered English Classes: Corporate language training to maintain or enhance your English proficiency.
Military Reservation (Deferment): Official deferment processing initiated starting from your first day of employment.
Comfortable On-Site Workspace: Well-equipped office space with a dedicated bomb shelter, located within comfortable walking distance from a subway station.

About the Company

Athlon Avia is a leading company in the MilTech sector, dedicated to innovation and excellence in defense technology. We are committed to providing cutting-edge solutions and fostering strategic partnerships to drive growth and innovation.

Business Development Lead

Job description