Senior Account Executive - Defence (F/M/D)

Kiel

Full-time

Permanent employee

Your mission

north.io is a software company based in Kiel, Germany, specializing in digital ocean intelligence. We develop and operate an Ocean Data Platform (ODP) and an Ocean Data Processing Engine (ODPE) acting together as an Ocean Data Warehouse that enable defence and maritime organizations to manage, process, and analyze geospatial and sensor data at scale — securely, efficiently, and in near real time.
Our mission is to make complex ocean data accessible and actionable — supporting strategic decision-making, maritime domain awareness, and operational readiness.

As Account Executive – Defence (F/M/D), you will drive the growth of north.io’s business in the defence and naval sectors. With your long-standing military background (ideally as a professional soldier in the Navy), you will rely on your network within the armed forces and defence ecosystem to identify, develop, and close strategic opportunities.
You will represent north.io’s digital capabilities — from data management and collaboration to large-scale data processing — to defence clients, including naval commands, hydrographic offices, ministries, research institutions, and system integrators.

Reporting Line: You will report directly to the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and work closely with the leadership team in Sales, Product, and Strategy.
Location: Germany (preferred: Kiel, Hamburg, Bonn, or Berlin). Remote/hybrid possible with regular client visits.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a go-to-market strategy for the defence and naval segment in alignment with company growth objectives.
Leverage your personal network within the military and defence community to open doors, build trust, and identify concrete opportunities.
Own the entire sales cycle: from prospecting, qualification, and bid preparation to contract negotiation and deal closure.
Navigate defence procurement and tendering processes confidently.
Present and position north.io’s Ocean Data Platform (ODP) and Ocean Data Processing Engine (ODPE) acting together as an Ocean Data Warehouse as mission-critical components of modern naval data strategies.
Collaborate with product, and marketing teams to prepare technical presentations, proposals, and demonstration scenarios.
Provide market intelligence on defence digitalization trends, competitors, and upcoming tenders.
Represent north.io at defence, security, and maritime technology events.
Maintain accurate pipeline and forecast reporting through CRM tools.
Ensure the voice of the customer informs future platform developments and integrations (e.g., security, interoperability, on-premise requirements).

Your profile

Qualifications & Experience

Many years of professional military service, ideally as an officer in the Navy or another branch with maritime responsibilities.
Strong, active network within the armed forces, defence ministries, and naval procurement organizations.
Proven experience in B2B or government sales, ideally in the defence, maritime, or technology sectors.
Understanding of defence procurement structures, public tendering, and budget cycles.
Strategic, consultative sales mindset with the ability to translate operational or technical needs into commercial solutions.
Excellent communication and presentation skills; confident dealing with high-ranking officials and C-level executives.
Fluent in German and English; other European languages are a plus.
Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.
Existing or eligible security clearance preferred.

Desired Competencies

Deep understanding of the naval operational environment, maritime surveillance, or underwater operations.
Ability to position software and data platforms in the context of digital transformation and mission readiness.
Familiarity with geospatial, hydrographic, sonar, or oceanographic data is advantageous.
Entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable building a new business vertical and working independently.
High integrity, disciplined approach, and the ability to operate with discretion in sensitive contexts.

Why us?

A pivotal role in expanding north.io’s footprint in the defence and naval domain.
Competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
Flexible work arrangements (remote/hybrid) with headquarters in Kiel, Germany.
Professional development opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge ocean technology.
A collaborative, mission-driven environment uniting experts from defence, software, and geoscience backgrounds.

About us

north.io

We are the Ocean Big Data Specialists!

Since 2011, we’ve been developing cloud-native SaaS solutions that make complex geospatial and marine data accessible, shareable, and understandable.
Our international, English-speaking team of experts in computer science, geography, geophysics, and big data engineering works at the intersection of science and technology to create solutions that turn complex geodata into clarity.
Together, we help our customers from offshore wind and hydrography to defence, security, and public authorities to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Let's join our team!

Diversity and Inclusion are part of north.io GmbH values at the highest level. North.io commitment to diversity means providing a work environment for all that is welcoming, respectful, and engaging with opportunities for personal and professional development. We are an LGTBQ friendly company that offers equal opportunity to everyone. This in turn increases productivity, quality, creativity, and goal achievement. Therefore, we are committed to hiring people from diverse and unique personal and professional backgrounds. If you identify with these values and are looking to make a huge impact with your work, we would love to hear from you.