Business Development Lead (Italy)

The opportunity

A European AI company is building cutting-edge solutions that automatically detect situations of interest in video streams. Powered by advanced AI models trained to extract actionable insights from imagery, the technology is deployed across public and private sector environments - civilian and defence - while strictly adhering to legal and privacy frameworks.

The mission: become Europe's leading video intelligence company, combining technical excellence with deep respect for data protection laws.

The role

We're looking for a Business Development Lead to open and own the Italian market. Italy is relationship-driven, and public-sector and critical-infrastructure deals are best won by someone already embedded in it - able to reach the right entities within one or two calls rather than months of cold prospecting.

You'll be the dedicated, on-the-ground driver of go-to-market in Italy, working alongside leadership who can fly in periodically to support key meetings - but who need a permanent, local presence to actually move deals.

What you'll do

• Identify, approach, and close business development opportunities with public sector bodies and large private operators across Italy

• Build and activate a trusted network of decision-makers - municipalities, government and defence-adjacent entities, and large private operators (transport, logistics, security)

• Move opportunities quickly from first contact to signed agreement, leveraging existing market relationships rather than starting cold

• Act as the primary local point of contact for Italian prospects and clients, coordinating with leadership on deal strategy and the occasional in-person visit

• Feed market intelligence back on local buying patterns, procurement processes, and competitive dynamics

What you bring

• A proven business development / sales track record in Italy, with a network you can activate immediately

• Native or fluent Italian and fluent English

• Familiarity with Italian public procurement and how public-sector and large private buyers make decisions

• Based in Milan or Rome (preferred); candidates elsewhere in Italy with strong national reach will also be considered

• Self-starting and fast-moving - able to open doors and drive deals independently

• Experience selling into security, defence, or public-sector / critical-infrastructure buyers is a strong plus

What we offer

• A competitive package combining a strong fixed retainer with commission on signed revenue, plus an equity stake - scaling with experience

• The chance to build and own a brand-new market from the ground up

• Backing from leadership who will travel to Italy to support key deals

• A product with real-world impact on safety and public interest