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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business development and manage bids for exciting space projects.
- Company: Leading UK space-sector organisation focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team shaping the future of space missions and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in bid management or business development in the space industry.
- Other info: Passion for space and innovative projects is a must!
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Essential Skills & Experience
- ~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.
Desirable
- 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 and Bid Manager in Oxford employer: Alderson James
Contact Detail:
Alderson James Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development and Bid Manager in Oxford
✨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’re even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about ESA and UKSA programmes. This will help you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Being able to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals, especially in areas like space sustainability and in-orbit servicing, will make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the space sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development and Bid Manager in Oxford
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 your passion for space sustainability!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your bid management and business development experience in the space industry. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of the European space ecosystem and funding mechanisms.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re excited about this role and how your skills align with the key responsibilities. Make it engaging and personal – we want to see your enthusiasm for space missions!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team in the exciting world of space!
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 but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Bid Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of your experience in bid management. Be ready to discuss how you've led bid lifecycles, managed financials, and collaborated with various teams. Highlighting your successes will make you stand out.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Understand the space sector sales cycles and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the organisation's commercial growth. Showing that you can align business development strategies with institutional opportunities is key.
✨Passion for Space Sustainability
Express your passion for space sustainability and related challenges. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to this area. This will resonate well with the company's mission and values.
