Title: Managing Director

Location: Leipzig, Germany

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Covenant is a global defense company headquartered in Washington, D.C., building long-range precision strike weapons for the United States and its allies. Its flagship munition, Anthem, combines heavy payload and long range at a fraction of the cost of comparable legacy systems, with production volumes designed to meet the demands of prolonged conflict. Designed as an end-to-end weapon system that is simple to store, transport, and field, Anthem is produced in the United States, Germany, and Israel. For more information, visit covenant.com

THE ROLE

We are seeking an accomplished Managing Director to lead and grow our German business while serving as the company's senior executive representative across Germany and the broader European defense ecosystem. This individual will be responsible for driving strategic customer engagement, expanding our presence within the Bundeswehr and German Ministry of Defence, and strengthening relationships with key government, military, and industrial stakeholders.

This is not a traditional operational leadership role. We are looking for a highly respected defense executive with deep credibility, an established reputation, and an extensive network throughout the German defense community. The ideal candidate has successfully negotiated and managed Bundeswehr contracts, understands the German defense acquisition landscape, and is recognized as a trusted advisor by senior military and government leaders. As the public face of the company in Germany, you will help shape our market strategy, open doors to new opportunities, and represent the company at the highest levels of industry and government.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Serve as the senior executive and public representative of the company throughout Germany and Europe.
Build and maintain executive-level relationships across the Bundeswehr, Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (BMVg), Bundestag, BAAINBw, and other key defense organizations.
Leverage an established network to create new opportunities within the German defense community and accelerate market adoption.
Lead strategic customer engagement efforts with senior military leadership, government officials, procurement organizations, and prime contractors.
Support and lead negotiations for complex Bundeswehr contracts and strategic defense programs.
Develop and execute the company's German market strategy in partnership with executive leadership.
Represent the company at industry conferences, military demonstrations, defense exhibitions, and government engagements.
Identify and develop strategic partnerships with German and European defense companies, research organizations, and industrial partners.
Advise executive leadership on German defense priorities, procurement trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory developments.
Collaborate with Business Development, Programs, Engineering, and Product teams to align customer needs with product strategy and execution.
Support capture activities, proposal strategy, and customer engagements throughout the full business development lifecycle.
Help establish the company's reputation as a trusted long-term partner to the German Armed Forces and allied nations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, International Relations, Military Science, or a related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
15+ years of leadership experience within the German defense industry, military, or government.
Demonstrated experience negotiating, managing, or executing contracts with the Bundeswehr or other German defense procurement organizations.
Deep understanding of German defense acquisition processes, procurement regulations, and military requirements.
Extensive executive-level network across the Bundeswehr, Bundestag, BMVg, BAAINBw, NATO, and the broader European defense community.
Proven ability to develop trusted relationships with senior government officials, military leaders, and defense executives.
Exceptional executive presence with outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong commercial acumen with experience supporting strategic growth, business development, and customer engagement.
Professional fluency in both German and English.
Willingness to travel extensively throughout Germany and Europe.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Former senior military officer, defense executive, or government official with significant leadership experience.
Experience supporting NATO programs or multinational European defense initiatives.
Existing relationships with key German prime contractors and European defense organizations.
Experience introducing emerging defense technologies into government or military organizations.
Background in autonomous systems, aerospace, munitions, robotics, or advanced defense technologies.
Experience working within a venture-backed or high-growth defense technology company.
Existing security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL

You are widely respected within the German defense community and have earned a reputation built on trust, credibility, and integrity.
You know how to navigate the German defense ecosystem and can engage confidently with the "who's who" of the Bundeswehr, Bundestag, BMVg, and the broader defense establishment.
You possess the executive presence to represent the company at the highest levels of government, industry, and international defense organizations.
You build long-term strategic relationships that create lasting partnerships, not just transactional business opportunities.
You are passionate about strengthening the defense capabilities of Germany and its allies by helping deliver next-generation technologies to those who protect them.