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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting bids for ESA and UKSA, shaping the future of space missions.
- Company: Join a leading UK space-sector organisation focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the space industry while working on cutting-edge projects.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in bid management or business development within the space sector.
- Other info: Passionate about space? This role offers a chance to engage with major space programmes.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A leading space-sector organisation in the UK is hiring a Business Development Manager to support institutional funding opportunities, ESA and UKSA programmes, and strategic commercial growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced space company focused on space sustainability, in-orbit servicing and next-generation space missions.
I’m looking for a BD professional with strong experience in ESA bids, UKSA programmes, space-sector sales, or institutional proposal development. Candidates with technical space backgrounds (systems engineering, mission design, space segment experience) looking to move into a commercial/business development role are also encouraged to apply.
Why this role is exciting- Support European Space Agency (ESA) and UK Space Agency (UKSA) bids.
- Contribute to major space programmes such as in-orbit servicing (IOS), space debris removal, space sustainability, and space safety.
- Help shape strategy, funding, and future capabilities for high-impact space missions.
- Capture Management (ESA, UKSA, EU)
- Identify, track and analyse institutional opportunities across ESA, UKSA, EU and national programmes.
- Align upcoming projects and R&D with relevant ESA/UKSA/European funding calls.
- Maintain a pipeline of institutional bid opportunities and strategic projects.
- Contribute to customer and competitor analysis within the European space ecosystem.
- Support budget modelling and financial inputs for government and agency programme submissions.
- Bid & Proposal Management
- Lead and coordinate full bid lifecycles - from ITT opening to final submission - for ESA, UKSA and EU programmes.
- Drive bid production schedules, internal reviews, red/gold team processes and QA/PA compliance.
- Collaborate with engineering, finance, contracts, procurement, business analysis and project teams to deliver high-quality proposals.
- Manage bid financials and coordinate partner input for multi-partner consortia.
- Develop compelling win themes, commercial structures and competitive pricing.
- Business Development & Customer Engagement
- Support BD strategy, commercial activities, customer engagement and partner development.
- Represent the organisation at ESA, UKSA, EU and international space conferences and BD events.
- Contribute to account management for key institutional stakeholders.
- Support policy engagement and the development of new space products and services.
- 2–4+ years’ experience in bid management or business development within the space industry.
- Proven experience with ESA/UKSA programmes, e.g., ARTES, GSTP, Space Safety, Space Transportation, In-Orbit Servicing, ITTs.
- Strong understanding of the European space ecosystem, funding mechanisms and institutional stakeholders.
- Ability to draft compelling technical and commercial proposal content.
- Strong commercial awareness and familiarity with space-sector sales cycles.
- Excellent communication skills (technical and non-technical).
- Highly proactive, organised and self-motivated.
- Passion for space sustainability, space environment, in-orbit servicing (IOS) and orbital debris challenges.
- Postgraduate degree in aerospace, engineering or related field.
- Technical knowledge of spacecraft systems (space segment preferred).
- Experience in in-orbit servicing, active debris removal, SSA/STM, or complex space mission bids.
- Skilled in producing bid volumes of varying scale - from short EoIs to multi-volume ESA proposals.
- ESA PSS form knowledge and experience with ESA bid financials.
- Background in satellite business development, satellite sales or commercial space programmes.
- Understanding of project management in space missions.
Business Development/Bid Manager employer: Alderson James
Contact Detail:
Alderson James Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development/Bid Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the space industry. Attend conferences, webinars, and local meetups to meet potential employers and learn about job openings before they hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your experience with ESA and UKSA programmes. Share specific examples of your past successes in bid management to really impress them.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you’re interested in, even if they’re not actively hiring. A well-timed email can put you on their radar for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job in the space sector. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development/Bid Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience with ESA and UKSA programmes, and don’t forget to showcase any technical background you have in the space sector!
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your skills in action! Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your bid management and business development expertise. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alderson James
✨Know Your ESA and UKSA Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest ESA and UKSA programmes. Familiarise yourself with their funding mechanisms and recent projects. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate that you’re serious about contributing to their missions.
✨Showcase Your Bid Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of your experience in bid management, especially within the space sector. Be ready to discuss how you've led bid lifecycles and collaborated with various teams. Highlight any successful proposals you've been part of to illustrate your capability.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Understand the space-sector sales cycles and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the organisation's business development strategy. Bring insights into customer engagement and how you can help shape future capabilities in the space industry.
✨Passion for Space Sustainability
Express your passion for space sustainability and related challenges. Share your thoughts on current trends in the space industry, particularly around in-orbit servicing and debris removal. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you’re aligned with their mission.
