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- Tasks: Lead business development in the space sector, managing bids and partnerships.
- Company: Innovative orbital services company tackling complex space challenges.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, flexible hours, and a chance to shape the future of space.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in the exciting world of space.
- Qualifications: 2-4+ years in bid production or technical sales within the space industry.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and ownership in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An orbital services company in the UK is hiring a Business Development Manager to help shape their future government and institutional partnerships. They’re working on some of the most complex and relevant challenges in space today, including in-orbit servicing, debris removal, and next-gen satellite support.
This role sits within their business development team and focuses primarily on capturing UK and European institutional opportunities. You’ll take the lead on preparing funding bids, supporting proposal development, coordinating cross-functional input, and keeping a sharp eye on ESA, UKSA, and EU opportunity pipelines.
You don’t need to be an engineer, but it helps if you speak the language. This is a great fit for someone with experience in the UK or European space sector who understands how programmes are shaped, and wants to move further into a commercial role.
What you’ll be doing:
- Tracking open calls from UKSA, ESA, EU and others to identify where current and future projects align
- Managing and producing bids from start to finish, including content development, partner coordination, and internal approvals
- Working with design, engineering, finance, and policy teams to bring together winning proposals
- Leading or supporting negotiations, reviews, and bid-related events
- Representing the company at relevant conferences and supporting strategic partner discussions
- Helping shape new products and services by feeding in market insights
You should have:
- 2-4+ years of experience in bid production, capture, or technical sales within the space industry
- Familiarity with ESA and UKSA proposal processes (e.g. ARTES, GSTP, Space Safety, ITTs)
- Strong writing and communication skills with a clear, persuasive style
- Ability to work independently, coordinate multiple moving parts, and keep things on track
- A good understanding of the UK and European space landscape, especially around in-orbit servicing
- A genuine interest in space sustainability and the broader mission
Nice to have:
- Postgraduate degree or prior experience in spacecraft systems or space engineering
- Experience delivering bid volumes like implementation, technical, commercial, or financial
- Exposure to ESA financial forms and procurement processes
- Background in a satellite business or sales environment
This is a hybrid role based in Oxfordshire, with flexibility around on-site presence depending on the project phase. You’ll be joining a small but growing commercial team working closely with engineering and strategy.
If you’ve worked on the government-facing side of the space industry and want more ownership, this is a strong opportunity to step up.
Business Development Manager in England employer: Darwin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Darwin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the space sector. Attend conferences, webinars, and local meetups to meet potential employers and industry peers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, don’t hold back on sharing your insights about the UK and European space landscape. This will show them you’re not just interested, but knowledgeable too.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to bid production and technical sales. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around ESA and UKSA processes. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in England
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 production and your understanding of the UK and European space sector. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since strong writing is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and persuasive. Use concise language and structure your thoughts logically. We love a well-organised application that reflects your communication prowess!
Demonstrate Your Passion for Space: Let your enthusiasm for space sustainability and the challenges in the industry shine through. Share any relevant experiences or insights that show your genuine interest. We’re looking for someone who’s as excited about the future of space as we are!
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 see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darwin Recruitment
✨Know Your Space Sector Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the space sector, especially around in-orbit servicing and debris removal. Being able to speak the language of ESA and UKSA will show that you’re not just interested but knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Master the Art of Bidding
Since this role involves managing bids from start to finish, practice articulating your experience with bid production. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you’ve successfully coordinated cross-functional teams and produced winning proposals.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Strong writing and communication skills are key for this position. Prepare to demonstrate your persuasive style by discussing how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in previous roles, especially in a technical context.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Market Insights
This role requires feeding market insights into product development. Think about how you can contribute to shaping new products and services, and be prepared to share your thoughts on current market trends and opportunities in the space sector.
