Strong fit for candidates with defense industry networks and technical sales experience who can operate independently in a startup environment. The role emphasizes B2B sales in Ukraine, with a focus on high-performance battery technology and direct engagement with defense and unmanned systems companies.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from Onhires via Ashby
Location: Based in Ukraine (Kyiv preferred, Lviv and other locations considered), regular travel to customer sites
Employment: Full-time
Engagement: B2B contract (Ukrainian FOP)
Compensation: Base salary + performance-based sales commission
About the Company
Our client is a US-based battery technology startup developing high-performance energy storage solutions for defense and dual-use applications.
Founded by industry leaders with executive experience at global electric vehicle and battery manufacturers, the company specializes in advanced silicon-anode battery technology designed to deliver high energy density and fast charging capabilities.
With manufacturing capabilities in South Korea, the company is expanding into the Ukrainian defense technology market, focusing on battery solutions for drones and other unmanned systems.
We are looking for a Business Development Manager to lead this market expansion, establish strategic customer relationships, and drive B2B sales growth in Ukraine.
About the Role
This is a hands-on, full-cycle business development position with significant ownership and direct access to the CEO.
You will be responsible for developing the company's commercial presence in Ukraine, building relationships with drone manufacturers, battery pack producers, and other defense technology companies.
The ideal candidate combines a strong network within Ukraine's defense industry with proven B2B sales experience, technical product understanding, and the ability to independently develop and close high-value commercial opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a business development strategy for the Ukrainian defense and dual-use markets.
- Identify, prospect, and engage drone manufacturers, battery pack producers, and other unmanned systems companies.
- Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers, procurement teams, and technical stakeholders.
- Manage the full B2B sales cycle, from lead generation and initial outreach to negotiations, closing, and account development.
- Introduce advanced battery solutions to prospective customers and coordinate technical product evaluations.
- Manage existing commercial opportunities while building a new customer pipeline.
- Negotiate commercial terms and secure purchase orders.
- Collaborate directly with the CEO and international teams on commercial strategy, customer requirements, and market opportunities.
- Represent the company at customer meetings, industry events, and relevant defense technology networks.
- Develop long-term customer relationships and identify opportunities for repeat business and account expansion.
Requirements
- 3+ years in B2B sales/BD, with hands-on experience in Defense / MilTech.
- Proven track record of developing customer relationships, negotiating commercial agreements, and closing B2B deals.
- Established professional network within Ukraine's defense technology ecosystem.
- Understanding of the Ukrainian defense industry and its procurement ecosystem.
- Experience selling technical products, hardware, electronic components, or industrial solutions.
- Ability to independently manage the entire sales cycle, from prospecting to closing.
- Strong commercial negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills.
- Fluent Ukrainian and strong English communication skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel across Ukraine for customer meetings.
- Self-driven, entrepreneurial mindset and ability to operate effectively in an early-stage business environment.
Nice to Have
- Experience selling batteries, battery cells, battery packs, or energy storage solutions.
- Existing relationships with Ukrainian drone or unmanned systems manufacturers.
- Experience in electronics, UAV components, power systems, or related hardware industries.
- Experience importing dangerous goods (e.g. lithium batteries) and customs clearance in Ukraine.
- Engineering or technical educational background.
- Experience launching new markets or establishing B2B sales operations from scratch.
- Active participation in Ukrainian defense technology associations, clusters, or industry networks.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to lead market expansion for a US-based deep-tech startup.
- Direct collaboration with the founder and CEO.
- High level of autonomy and ownership over business development in Ukraine.
- Innovative battery technology with applications in the growing defense and unmanned systems sector.
- Compensation combining a fixed base salary and performance-based sales commission.
- Opportunity to develop strategic partnerships and grow with the business as its Ukrainian operations expand.
- Based in Ukraine, with customer-facing travel across the country.
Please Note
The company does not currently provide military service reservation (бронювання).
Interested in building the next generation of energy solutions for unmanned systems? We'd love to hear from you.
Source: Onhires careers (Ashby)