Business Development Manager - Drones & Autonomous Systems

Role Summary We are seeking a Business Development Manager Drones & Autonomous Systems to drive growth across the full breadth of Front End's Autonomy & Mobility portfolio. You will own the commercial strategy and pipeline for UAV and drone operations, marine and subsea systems, air mobility, and automated infrastructure identifying opportunities, building client and partner relationships, and converting Front End's autonomous capabilities into delivered projects for government, energy, logistics, mining, and industrial clients. This is a client-facing, target-driven role that sits at the intersection of cutting-edge autonomous technology and the Kingdom's ambitious smart-mobility agenda. Experience working in or with Saudi Arabia is strongly preferred. Solution Areas You Will Cover This role spans the complete Autonomy & Mobility offering. You are expected to understand, position, and sell across all four capability areas below. 1. UAV & Drone Operations Drone-based aerial geophysical surveys UAV LiDAR, imaging, and electromagnetic (EM) surveys Drone-based inspections for energy and industrial facilities Drone pilot training and certification UAV operations consulting and fleet integration Cargo drones (250 kg+ payload, autonomous navigation, eco-logistics) 2. Marine & Subsea Systems Uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) surveys Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) surveys Remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) inspections Remotely-operated soil testing 3. Air Mobility Autonomous passenger air mobility (eVTOL electric vertical takeoff and landing) Autonomous aerial logistics and cargo delivery Smart-city aerial systems for emergency response and monitoring Command-and-control centers for aerial fleet management Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems to coordinate multiple aerial vehicles safely in shared airspace 4. Automated Infrastructure Automated robotic refueling systems for vehicles and fleets Mobile fueling fleet operations Semi-automated rig logistics support Robotic systems & intellegent infrastructure Robotruck autonomous vehicle solutions for logistics, mining, and construction Key Responsibilities Own and grow the sales pipeline across all four Autonomy & Mobility capability areas UAV & drone operations, marine & subsea systems, air mobility, and automated infrastructure. Identify, qualify, and win new business with government entities, energy operators, mining companies, logistics providers, and industrial clients across Saudi Arabia and the region. Translate complex autonomous-systems capabilities into clear commercial value propositions tailored to each client's operational and strategic objectives. Lead the full sales cycle: prospecting, solution scoping, proposals and tenders, commercial negotiation, and deal closure. Build and manage relationships with technology partners, OEMs, and exclusive-agency principals to expand Front End's autonomous offering. Support landmark initiatives such as air-taxi/eVTOL trials and drone-payload programs, positioning Front End as the partner of choice for smart mobility in the Kingdom. Work with technical, operations, and delivery teams through Front End's Discover Design Deploy Optimize & Scale process to ensure sold solutions are deliverable and profitable. Track market trends, regulation (e.g., UAV/airspace and UTM frameworks), and competitor activity to shape go-to-market strategy. Represent Front End at industry events, client briefings, and demonstrations; build a strong market presence and reference base. Maintain accurate forecasting, pipeline reporting, and CRM hygiene against agreed revenue targets.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Aerospace, Technology, or a related field (Master's/MBA a plus). 5+ years of business development, sales, or commercial experience, ideally in drones/UAVs, autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, defense, or advanced technology solutions. Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets and closing complex, technical, multi-stakeholder deals. Saudi Arabia experience is strongly preferred established knowledge of the Kingdom's market, clients, regulatory environment, and Vision 2030 priorities is highly valued. Strong understanding of one or more capability areas: UAV/drone operations, marine & subsea autonomous systems, eVTOL/air mobility, or automated industrial infrastructure. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills; able to engage both C-level decision-makers and technical specialists. Comfortable working in a fast-moving, technology-driven environment with long, consultative sales cycles. Fluency in English required; Arabic is a strong advantage. Willingness to travel within the Kingdom and the region as needed.