Head of EMEA for Space and Defense

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Job Description

Nokia is seeking a seasoned defense leader to head its Space & Defense Unit across EMEA, responsible for driving market expansion and solidifying Nokia's position as a leader in defense communications. This role will focus on radio and tactical communication solutions, targeting military and defense clients. The candidate will have proven strong expertise in the European defense sector with established contacts, a proven track record in market entry and growth with this sector, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in delivering innovative defense solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead Nokia's Space & Defense Unit market expansion efforts across EMEA, defining and executing regional strategies in alignment with the global vision for defense communications.
• Build and manage market creation strategies for 5G Defense solutions, 3GPP-based tactical communications, and broader defense communication solutions, targeting both military and commercial defense clients in EMEA.
• Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve revenue targets, focusing on defense sector clients and large-scale contracts across EMEA.
• Lead his dedicated team and collaborate with other sales teams (within Nokia) to identify and secure new business opportunities, driving growth in defense communications markets.
• Establish and maintain collaboration models between Nokia's Business Groups (BGs), R&D teams, and other stakeholders to support execution and growth in defense markets within Europe.
• Provide input from customers on the development of defense-specific products, ensuring they meet industry standards
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the EMEA defense segment
• Position Nokia as a trusted partner and leader in Defense Communications markets, driving brand awareness and competitive differentiation across EMEA.
• Mitigate risks associated with new market entry and expansion through strategic planning and alignment with stakeholders, ensuring compliance with European defense regulations.
• Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing team focused on defense market initiatives, sales, building necessary capabilities and competencies to address evolving market needs in EMEA.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, including European defense organizations, government agencies, system integrators, and technology partners.
• Drive top-line revenue growth through acquisition of defense clients and expansion of Nokia's defense solutions portfolio in EMEA, meeting or exceeding revenue and profitability targets.
• Collaborate with R&D to ensure the continuous development of cutting-edge solutions tailored to the defense market, integrating feedback from clients and aligning with defense communications advancements

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in defense sector, tactical communication markets with a proven track record of market entry and growth.
• Deep understanding of defense sectors in Europe, including familiarity with defense procurement processes, market dynamics, and regulatory environments.
• Strong strategic and business planning skills, with the ability to translate high-level market opportunities into actionable, revenue-generating initiatives.
• Proven experience in sales leadership, contract negotiations and commercials to secure large defense contracts.
• Proven experience in driving new business development, forming strategic partnerships, and securing large defense contracts, preferably in the defense communications sector.
• Ability to work collaboratively with global teams and internal stakeholders to align on business objectives, execute market entry strategies, and build consensus across multiple business groups.
• Expertise in building brands, creating new markets, and establishing leadership positions within highly competitive industries.
• In-depth understanding of telecommunication technology and defense communications solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to C-level executives, government officials, and defense partners.

Additional Requirements:

• Experience working closely with R&D teams to align product development with market needs and defense sector demands.
• Demonstrated experience in building and managing diverse, cross-functional teams focused on sales, new market creation, and product development.
• Ability to translate technical capabilities into compelling value propositions for defense clients

About Us

Come create the technology that helps the world act together
Nokia is committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. Your career here will have a positive impact on people's lives and will help us build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive world.
We challenge ourselves to create an inclusive way of working where we are open to new ideas, empowered to take risks and fearless to bring our authentic selves to work

What we offer
Nokia offers continuous learning opportunities, well-being programs to support you mentally and physically, opportunities to join and get supported by employee resource groups, mentoring programs and highly diverse teams with an inclusive culture where people thrive and are empowered.

Nokia is committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer
Nokia has received the following recognitions for its commitment to inclusion & equality:

• One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere
• Gender-Equality Index by Bloomberg
• Workplace Pride Global Benchmark

At Nokia, we act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Nokia's employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

Join us and be part of a company where you will feel included and empowered to succeed.

About the Team

Our Business Group is a leader in wireless mobility networks and associated services. With more than 3.500 patent families essential for 5G we have a strong 5G portfolio and are a front runner in open and virtualized radio access networks (O-RAN and vRAN).