Business Development Manager – UAV Optronics – Remote Position – Europe

Location: Remote / Home Office (Europe-based)
Travel: Extensive travel required across Europe
Primary Markets: Ukraine, Poland, Germany

This is a fully remote position. The successful candidate may be based anywhere in Europe and will operate primarily from a home office while traveling extensively to customers, partners, exhibitions, and industry events.

ΤHEON GROUP of companies develops and manufactures cutting-edge night vision and thermal Imaging systems for Military and Security applications with a global footprint. THEON GROUP started its operations in 1997 from Greece and today occupies a leading role in the sector thanks to its international presence through subsidiaries and production facilities in Greece, Cyprus, Germany, the Baltics, the United States, the Gulf States, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Singapore and South Korea. THEON GROUP has more than 240,000 systems in service with Armed and Special Forces in 72 countries around the world, 26 of which are NATO countries. THEON INTERNATIONAL PLC, the group's parent company, has been listed in the EURONEXT stock market, allowing THEON GROUP to accelerate its growth and further future business development. www.theon.com

Role Summary

The Business Development Manager – UAV Optronics will drive strategic growth and market penetration within the UAV ecosystem by developing relationships with UAV OEMs, system integrators, distributors, defense customers, and key industry stakeholders.

This is a highly customer-facing role suited to someone with strong existing connections within the European UAV industry and a solid understanding of relevant technologies, market dynamics, and procurement environments.

The ideal candidate will come from a UAV manufacturer, UAV technology company, or relevant defense electronics organization and will already possess an established network within the UAV industry.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the commercial strategy for THEON’s UAV optronics portfolio across Europe.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities with UAV manufacturers, system integrators, and defense/security customers.
• Build and manage relationships with key players across the UAV ecosystem.
• Promote MERIO products and THEON’s thermal imaging solutions for UAV applications.
• Lead business development activities across the initial target markets of Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.
• Represent THEON at international defense, security, and UAV industry exhibitions and events.
• Coordinate closely with engineering, product management, and leadership teams to align customer requirements with product roadmaps.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging operational requirements within the UAV sector.
• Support strategic partnerships, channel development, and business alliances.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development, sales, or strategic partnerships within the UAV/UAS industry.
• Strong understanding of UAV payloads, EO/IR systems, thermal imaging, or related optronics technologies.
• Existing network within European UAV manufacturers and defense/security stakeholders.
• Background with a UAV manufacturer or UAV technology company strongly preferred.
• Experience working across European markets, particularly Central and Eastern Europe.
• Comfortable operating independently in a remote, travel-intensive role.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Fluent English required; additional European languages are considered an advantage.
• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe.