At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and partnerships in the space and defence sectors.
- Company: Optera, a venture-backed deep-tech business with innovative capabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related commission, equity participation, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for operational leadership and significant career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing company and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business development within space or defence markets.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Optera is an early-stage UK deep-tech business operating across a portfolio of related capabilities in space and defence. We are backed by experienced institutional investors and supported by a board with deep sector credibility. Our active business lines sit at different points on the maturity curve — from a near‑term revenue-generating space domain awareness business (Astracyte) through to longer‑cycle on‑orbit demonstrators and proprietary sensor technology that becomes available in roughly two years. The strategic intent is to build a saleable group: revenue is one indicator of progress, but commercial proof points, partnerships and pipeline are equally important to the eventual exit narrative.
Purpose of the role
The Commercial Lead is accountable for converting Optera’s technical advantage into a credible, defensible commercial position across its active business lines. You will own the go‑to‑market: positioning, target account strategy, partnerships with primes, and entry onto strategic programmes — starting in Western Europe and the UK, then expanding into the United States. The CEO will continue to lead the closure of in‑flight opportunities through 2026; this role builds the forward pipeline and the commercial machinery that allows Optera to scale into 2027 and beyond. It is a senior, strategic seat shaping how the business enters a complex, IP-sensitive, regulated market — not a transactional sales role.
Candidate profile
- We are looking for a senior business development leader with genuine credibility in space and/or defence, the discipline to operate in long‑cycle, IP-sensitive markets, and a clear startup mindset.
Essential
- Senior BD / commercial track record selling complex, high-value systems into space, defence or adjacent regulated markets.
- Demonstrable network among UK and Western European primes, defence customers and programme offices.
- Comfort with long sales cycles, formal tenders, complex procurement and multi-stakeholder governance.
- UK work visa essential. No relocation or sponsorship available.
Why This Role
You’ll see and shape every part of the business — commercial, technical, financial and cultural — at the moment it scales. There is a genuine path to broader operational leadership over time, and the equity case that goes with it.
Compensation
- Competitive base salary benchmarked to senior space/defence BD roles in the UK market.
- Performance‑related commission tied to qualified pipeline conversion and signed contract value.
- Standard UK workplace pension at the statutory minimum (employer contribution in line with auto‑enrolment requirements).
- Meaningful equity participation as the principal long‑term upside, calibrated to seniority and stage.
Commercial Lead - Manchester employer: Foundation Partners
Optera is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the deep-tech space and defence sectors. With a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, employees are empowered to shape the future of the business while enjoying competitive compensation and meaningful equity participation. Located in Manchester, this role offers unique opportunities for professional growth and leadership development in a cutting-edge industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lead - Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the space and defence sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Optera and its competitors thoroughly. Understand their products, market position, and recent news. We want you to walk into that interview feeling confident and ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! In your conversations, highlight your experience with long sales cycles and complex procurement processes. We’re looking for someone who can navigate these challenges, so make sure to share specific examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board and shaping the future of Optera together!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lead - Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Lead role. Highlight your experience in business development within the space and defence sectors, and don’t forget to showcase your network among UK and Western European primes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Optera. Share your passion for deep-tech and how your skills align with our mission. Be specific about your achievements in long-cycle sales and complex procurement.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your strategic mindset. We want to see how you plan to build a credible commercial position for Optera and your approach to entering regulated markets. Think about your go-to-market strategies!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foundation Partners
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Optera's business model and the deep-tech landscape, especially in space and defence. Brush up on their active business lines and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Network Like a Pro
Leverage your existing connections in the UK and Western European primes and defence sectors. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've built partnerships and navigated complex procurement processes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is all about shaping the commercial strategy, so come armed with ideas on go-to-market positioning and target account strategies. Think about how you can contribute to building a forward pipeline and scaling the business into new markets.
✨Prepare for Long Cycles
Since this position involves long sales cycles and multi-stakeholder governance, be ready to discuss your experience managing these complexities. Highlight any successful tenders or contracts you've secured in similar environments to demonstrate your capability.
