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Director Defense Germany (m/f/d)
Etteplan
Source: Headcount Labs · original listing ↗
Job data: Headcount Labs, ODbL 1.0. Job descriptions belong to their employers.
Source date: 11/6/2026
About this role
Shape the Future of Defense Engineering You will build Etteplan's defense business in Germany from the ground up. As Director Defense Germany (m/f/d), you own Etteplan’s defense business in Germanyt across all Service Areas and run Etteplan Defense GmbH as a standalone legal entity. You are the face of Etteplan towards primes, tier-one suppliers and Bundeswehr procurement stakeholders. You will be responsible for defining and executing Etteplan’s defense growth strategy in Germany. You will lead business development activities, strengthen relationships with key customers and stakeholders, and drive sustainable growth across all Etteplan service areas. Reporting directly to the Country Head Germany, you will play a key role in positioning Etteplan as a trusted partner within the German defense ecosystem while leading the development of Etteplan Defense GmbH. What You'll Do • Own and Lead Etteplan Germany’s Defense business P&L with ambition for profitable growth • Define and implement the German Defense business strategy aligned with Etteplan’s long-term growth ambitions • Develop and manage strategic relationships with leading defense companies, government organizations, and industry stakeholders • Identify and pursue new business opportunities across Engineering Solutions, Software & Embedded Solutions, and Technical Communication Solutions • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Defense organization in Germany • Drive sales, account management, pricing, and growth initiatives within the defense sector • Own and develop key accounts, ensuring long-term customer satisfaction and business expansion • Collaborate closely with Etteplan's international defense teams and business leaders • Support merger and acquisition activities by identifying potential acquisition targets and partnerships • Ensure compliance with relevant defense regulations, export control requirements, and security standards • Represent Etteplan at industry events, customer meetings, and strategic forums What success looks like in the first 12 month • A documented German Defense business strategy with identified business potential, target accounts, financial targets and action plan • Visible progress in expanding with selected key accounts • A well-founded assessment of how the “engineering plus documentation” model can be established in Germany • A qualified pipeline with clear first-year order intake and at least one direct prime-facing win outside the tender-only model • Etteplan Defense GmbH operating cleanly as a legal entity, with the basics for S1000D, ASD-STE100, IEC 62443, export control and clearances in place or on a dated plan What We're Looking For • Extensive experience in business development, sales, key account management, or leadership within the Aerospace & Defense industry • Proven track record of developing strategic customer relationships and generating business growth • Strong understanding of the German defense market and procurement landscape • Experience working in regulated environments with knowledge of security clearance processes, export controls, and compliance requirements • Background in engineering services, consulting, technical services, or complex solution sales is highly desirable • Strong leadership capabilities with experience building and developing teams • Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on approach and strong commercial acumen • Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills • Fluent German and English language skills • Willingness to travel within Germany and internationally as required • Eligibility to obtain and maintain German security clearance Nice to have • Direct prime relationships rather than experience only as a subcontractor • An existing network among German defense primes, tier-one suppliers or procurement stakeholders • Familiarity with Pricing Regulation PR No. 30/53 and the market-price versus self-cost distinction, or willingness to master it quickly Why Etteplan? At Etteplan, you will have the opportunity to do more than manage a business. Together with us you will build one. We offer: • A strategic leadership position in a high-growth market • Significant influence on the future direction of our Defense business in Germany • A collaborative and international work environment • Access to established defense expertise and customer networks across the Nordic region • Short decision-making paths and a high degree of autonomy • Competitive compensation package including performance-based incentives • Flexible working arrangements and a modern workplace culture • Opportunities for professional growth within a successful international company Interested? If you are excited by the opportunity to drive growth, build strategic partnerships, and establish Etteplan as a leading engineering partner in the German defense market, we would love to hear from you. Let's engineer a better world together.