Director Business Development (All genders)

At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.

WHY JOIN US

The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.

You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.

We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Our Business Development team is responsible for expanding Stark's market footprint and driving commercial growth across key defence and governmental sectors. We bridge advanced engineering capabilities with strategic market demands, working closely with government stakeholders, military leadership, and key industry partners. As part of this team, you will drive high-impact initiatives and scale our AI-driven software offerings in complex, mission-critical environments.

YOUR MISSION

As Director Business Development for Minerva software, you will lead our strategic expansion, driving market penetration and building long-term partnerships with defence and government customers. You will oversee end-to-end capture management, shape complex value propositions, and accelerate adoption of our autonomous AI platforms across strategic operational domains.

WHAT YOU WILL DO AT STARK

Define and execute the business development strategy for the Minerva software platform across target markets.

Identify, engage, and nurture strategic relationships with government procurement officers, defence entities, and industry partners.

Lead end-to-end capture processes, bid strategies, and contract negotiations for high-value government programs.

Collaborate closely with Product Management and Engineering teams to align customer needs with product roadmaps.

Represent Stark at key industry events, defence expos, and high-level stakeholder briefings.

Monitor market developments, competitive dynamics, and regulatory trends across the European defence landscape.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE MISSION

Proven track record in business development, strategic sales, or capture management within the defence, government, or deep-tech software sectors.

Deep understanding of public procurement frameworks, government contracting, and complex software solutions sales cycles.

Strong network of contacts across defence ministries, military organizations, or prime contractors in Europe.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills in English.

Ability to translate technical product features (AI, command and control software) into compelling business value propositions.

NICE TO HAVE

Prior military background, defence sector consultancy, or operational experience with autonomous systems.

Fluency in German or additional European languages.

Experience working in fast-paced startup or scale-up environments.

If you're interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected on the description above, please send us your CV in English . We're looking forward to meeting you!

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

DATA PRIVACY STATEMENT

This data privacy statement, which refers exclusively to data collected as part of the online application process, is to inform you about how your personal data that is collected as part of the online application process is handled at our end.

The controller

The controller under data protection law is:

SKD SE

Französische Strasse 12, 10117 Berlin

Commercial register entry number: HRB 260878

Registration Court: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg

• Data Protection officer: heyData GmbH, Schützenstraße 5, 10117 Berlin, www.heydata.eu , -----
• Personal data collected as part of the application process

Personal data means any information concerning the personal or material circumstances of an identified or identifiable individual. This includes information such as, for example, your name, address, telephone number and date of birth, but also data relating to your specific career etc. by reference to which a specific individual can be identified with reasonable effort. However, information which cannot be (in)directly associated with your real-life identity is not personal data.

Fundamentals and purposes of processing personal data collected from application documents and during the application process

If you apply to us electronically, i.e. via e-mail or using our online form, we will collect and process your personal data for the purpose of executing the application process and preparing contracts.

By submitting an application via our recruitment website, you express your interest in taking up work with us. In this context, you transmit personal data, which we will use and store exclusively for the purpose of your job search / application process.

In particular, the following data is collected during this process:

name (first and last names)

e-mail address

phone number

LinkedIn profile (optional)

channel through which you found us

Furthermore, you can choose to upload expressive documents such as a cover letter, your CV and reference letters. These may contain additional personal data such as date of birth, address etc.

Only authorized HR staff and/or staff involved in the application process have access to your data.

The personal data is stored, as a rule, exclusively for the purpose of filling the vacancy for which you have applied.

Your data will be stored for a period of 180 days after the application process has been concluded. This is usually done to fulfill legal requirements and/or defending ourselves against any claims arising from legal provisions. After this period, we are obligated to delete or anonymize your data. In case of anonymization, the data will only be available to us in the form of so-called metadata, without any direct personal reference, for statistical analysis (for example, share of male and/or female applicants, number of applications per specified period of time etc.).

Furthermore, we reserve the right to store your data for 180 days after the application process has been concluded for the purpose of adding it to our Talent Pool in order to identify any other vacancies that may be of interest to you. This includes, for example, applications for apprenticeships or internships. By accepting the data privacy statement, you consent to any further storage of your data as well as its inclusion in our Talent Pool.

Should you be offered and accept a position with us during the application process, we will store the personal data collected as part of the application process for at least the duration of your employment.

Disclosure of data to third parties

Data transmitted as part of your application will be transferred using TLS encryption and stored in a database. This database is operated by Greenhouse, which offers a human