Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development in the exciting space sector, focusing on government partnerships.
- Company: Join a pioneering orbital services company shaping the future of space.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space sustainability and innovative projects.
- Qualifications: 2-4+ years in bid production or technical sales within the space industry.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on career advancement.
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 are 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 will 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 do not 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 will 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 will be joining a small but growing commercial team working closely with engineering and strategy.
If you have 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 London employer: Darwin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Darwin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and meet-ups related to the space sector. This is your chance to connect with key players and get your name out there. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your job search. Don’t just wait for job postings to appear; reach out to companies directly. Express your interest in their work and how you can contribute, especially if they align with your skills in bid production and technical sales.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your successful bids and projects in the space sector. This will give potential employers a clear view of your capabilities and how you can help them capture those UK and European institutional opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some exciting roles that could be a perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team in tackling the challenges in the space industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager in London
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 your skills align with our mission!
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. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can craft winning proposals!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any specific experience you have with ESA and UKSA proposal processes. If you've worked on similar projects or have insights into the space landscape, let us know! This will set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darwin Recruitment
✨Know Your Space Sector
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 discuss current projects and how they align with the company's goals will show your genuine interest and understanding of the industry.
✨Master the Bid Process
Familiarise yourself with the bid production process, particularly for ESA and UKSA proposals. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing bids from start to finish, and think of specific examples where you've successfully coordinated cross-functional teams to deliver winning proposals.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong writing and communication skills are crucial for this role, prepare to demonstrate your persuasive style. Bring along samples of your previous work or be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex ideas to different stakeholders in the past.
✨Engage with Market Insights
Be prepared to talk about how you've used market insights to shape new products or services. Think of examples where your input has led to successful outcomes, and show that you can bring valuable insights to the team that align with their mission of space sustainability.
