Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive business development in the exciting field of space debris mitigation.
  • Company: Join Astroscale, a leader in on-orbit servicing and sustainable space development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working hours, and 25+ days holiday.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the space industry while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: 2-4 years in bid management, preferably in the space sector.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team and enjoy regular social events.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.

Astroscale is seeking a motivated Business Development Manager to support institutional opportunities from our UK office based in the Harwell Space Cluster. This dynamic role offers the chance to contribute to the growing field of orbital debris mitigation.

Responsibilities

  • Capture Management: Track bid opportunities from sources such as ESA, EU, and UKSA; propose future projects that fit each opportunity; maintain a database of suitable projects; support prioritisation of R&D and service strategy; work with business analysis to evolve customer and competitor analyses; provide financial inputs to government budgets for funding allocation.
  • Bid Production: Manage and coordinate full bids or parts of bids from call opening to submission; ensure on-schedule delivery of bid volumes; liaise with internal teams (projects, engineering, procurement, finance, business analysis) and external partners for multi-partner bids; conduct bid reviews and win-theme analysis; control bid finances with finance and procurement teams.
  • BD/Commercial Activities: Support BD events, conferences, and customer engagements; assist account management with UKSA or ESA on IOS activities; engage in policy-style interactions; collaborate with Product Development to define new products and services.

Essential Skills

  • 2–4 years in bid management in the space industry, preferably with UKSA or ESA bids (e.g., Space Safety, Space Transportation, ARTES, GSTP).
  • In-depth understanding of the UKSA ecosystem and member state negotiations.
  • Experience working with UKSA or ESA on space programmes.
  • Strong sales/marketing style for bid production, able to convey business selling points and craft competitive yet deliverable proposals.
  • Commercial awareness, pro-active motivation, and will to take initiative.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Deep knowledge of the space industry, specifically IOS activities, and passion for space with understanding of space environment and debris.

Desirable Skills

  • Postgraduate degree.
  • Technical knowledge of spacecraft systems.
  • Bidding experience in in-orbit servicing, active debris removal, space situational awareness, and other space segment domains.
  • Experience delivering bids of varied sizes, from brief expressions of interest to large mission proposals.
  • Experience compiling key volumes for bids (technical, commercial, financial, implementation, contractual, risk).
  • Understanding of space programme project management.
  • Experience with ESA bid financials and PSS form generation.
  • Experience in a satellite business development or sales environment.

Benefits

  • Competitive base salary.
  • Opportunity to work with a talented, diverse international team and cutting-edge technology.
  • Flexible core-hour working, optional 9/75 pattern, hybrid working available.
  • 25 days holiday (up to 28 days) + 8 Bank Holidays.
  • Life insurance, long-term sick pay, private healthcare (taxable benefit).
  • Relocation allowance and visa sponsorship for eligible employees.
  • State-of-the-art office and cleanroom facility.
  • Regular social events.

Location Astroscale UK – Harwell.

About Astroscale Founded in 2013, Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations. We provide trusted and value-added solutions for government and commercial clients worldwide, driving the growth of the circular space economy. Since our first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has demonstrated rendezvous and proximity operations technologies during the ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions, establishing the company as a leader in on-orbit servicing. Our spacecraft have been selected for pioneering missions with JAXA, the U.S. Space Force, the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, and Eutelsat OneWeb. Astroscale prides itself on an inclusive culture. Our essential criteria are based solely on the requirements necessary to perform the role. If any criteria could present a barrier, we are open to discussing reasonable adjustments and are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. Astroscale is also open to supporting job-share arrangements to further our flexible working offering.

Business Development Manager employer: Astroscale

Astroscale is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of the space industry within the innovative Harwell Space Cluster. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a diverse international team, we foster a collaborative culture that values inclusivity and creativity. Our state-of-the-art facilities and focus on cutting-edge technology ensure that you will be part of meaningful projects that contribute to the sustainable development of space.
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Contact Detail:

Astroscale Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the space industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Astroscale and its projects. Understand their mission in orbital debris mitigation and think about how your skills can contribute. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their work.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in bid management and how it relates to the space industry. Use specific examples that highlight your achievements and how they align with what Astroscale is looking for.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Astroscale team. So, get that application in and let’s make some space magic happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager

Bid Management
Space Industry Knowledge
Sales and Marketing Skills
Commercial Awareness
Interpersonal Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Project Management
Technical Knowledge of Spacecraft Systems
Experience with ESA or UKSA Bids
Financial Acumen for Bid Production
Understanding of Space Environment and Debris
Collaboration with Internal and External Teams
Proactive Motivation
Policy Engagement

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 in bid management, especially with UKSA or ESA, and show how your skills align with what we're looking for.

Show Your Passion for Space: We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about the space industry! Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your enthusiasm for orbital debris mitigation and the broader space ecosystem.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out, and ensure your communication style is professional yet approachable.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Astroscale

✨Know Your Bids

Familiarise yourself with the bid management process, especially in the context of the space industry. Understand the nuances of UKSA and ESA bids, and be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that highlight your ability to manage and coordinate bids effectively.

✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness

Demonstrate your understanding of the commercial landscape within the space sector. Be prepared to discuss how you can convey business selling points and craft competitive proposals. Highlight any previous successes in securing funding or managing budgets to show you mean business.

✨Engage with the Space Community

Since this role involves attending BD events and conferences, it’s crucial to show your passion for the space industry. Research recent developments in orbital debris mitigation and be ready to share your thoughts on them. This will not only showcase your knowledge but also your enthusiasm for the field.

✨Communicate Effectively

Your interpersonal and communication skills are key in this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to engage with both technical and non-technical audiences. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated in past roles to illustrate your capability.

Business Development Manager
Astroscale

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