Country Director - Ukraine at CAFA Tech (Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine)

Job Description:

Position Overview

CAFA Tech, an Estonian company with a strong background in defence R&D (EDF, Horizon, NATO), specializing in high-voltage DC tethered UAV systems for defence applications, seeks an exceptional leader to establish and grow our Ukrainian operations. This founding team member will build our entire Ukrainian presence from the ground up, creating a successful technology company serving the Ukrainian Armed Forces with critical ISR, communications relay, and EW capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Military Relations

Establish and maintain relationships with Ukrainian Armed Forces units, procurement offices, and defence ministry officials
Navigate military procurement processes and secure contracts for tethered UAV systems
Coordinate product demonstrations and trials with military units
Ensure products reach frontline units efficiently and effectively

Operations Setup

Establish local production and assembly capabilities for tethered UAV systems
Implement quality control and testing procedures meeting military specifications
Set up 2nd line technical support infrastructure (with military units handling 1st line)
Manage Ukrainian codification processes for defence products
Oversee supply chain and logistics for 120m tether systems and power modules

Team Building & Leadership

Recruit and build local team members across marketing, sales, production, and technical support
Develop Ukrainian R&D capabilities for product localization and enhancement
Create training programs for military operators and support personnel
Foster a high-performance culture aligned with defence sector requirements

Strategic Growth

Develop go-to-market strategy for Ukrainian defence market
Identify opportunities for product adaptation to Ukrainian operational needs
Build partnerships with local defence contractors and technology companies
Represent CAFA Tech at defence exhibitions and military conferences

Required Qualifications

Essential

Proven relationships with Ukrainian Armed Forces and defence establishment
Technical background (engineering, electronics, or UAV systems preferred)
Fluent English and Ukrainian; working knowledge of Russian
Experience with defence procurement and military supply chains
Willingness and permission to travel extensively (30-40% including to abroad and Ukrainian field locations)

Highly Desired

Previous experience in defence technology or UAV industry
Track record of building businesses or teams from scratch
Network within Ukrainian defence innovation ecosystem
Background in military service

Personal Attributes

Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to operate independently
High integrity and security consciousness
Resilient and adaptable to challenging environments
Strong problem-solver who can navigate complex bureaucracies
Passionate about strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities

What We Offer

Opportunity to build a strategic defence technology business
Significant autonomy and decision-making authority
Competitive compensation package
Direct impact on Ukraine's defence capabilities
Support from Estonian headquarters and technical teams

Location

Based in Lviv with frequent travel to military units, production facilities in Ukraine and abroad.

Tanel Järvet

CEO

CAFA Tech OU

E-mail ukraine@cafatech.com

Tel +372 517 3798