At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and business development for innovative satellite technology.
- Company: Join NewOrbit Space, a leader in pioneering low-orbit satellite technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Expect flexible hours and a dynamic work environment as we prepare for our maiden mission.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking technology that transforms global connectivity and insight.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in business development or sales, preferably in aerospace or deep-tech.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.
We are currently building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our proprietary propulsion system we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using the air as propellant.
Please note that as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission, we are in a critical growth phase. Our roles will often require extended hours and are not typical 9-to-6 positions.
Your Role
We\'re hiring a hands-on Business Development / Sales Manager to grow revenue for NewOrbit Space\'s propulsion systems and ULEO satellite platforms. You\'ll prospect and qualify opportunities, run pursuits through RFIs/RFQs/ITTs, coordinate winning proposals, and close deals with primes, OEMs, and government customers. You\'ll work closely with our Commercial Lead, engineers, and program teams to translate technical capability into clear customer value.
Key Responsibilities
- Account development (Gov & Enterprise)
- Map buying centres, influencers, budgets, and timelines; secure meetings and nurture relationships.
- Drive outbound prospecting and convert inbound interest into qualified opportunities.
Tendering & capture support
- Monitor relevant portals and sourcing calendars; keep the opportunity tracker current.
- Run capture basics: outline win themes, competitor notes, and price-to-win inputs with guidance from the Commercial Lead.
- Manage bid logistics (checklists, compliance matrices, submission portals) and coordinate internal reviews.
Proposal coordination
- Assemble proposal content from SMEs; maintain a reusable bid library (company boilerplate, past answers, CVs, certs).
- Ensure compliant, on-time submissions; coordinate clarifications and schedule demos/orals.
Deal execution
- Lead day-to-day commercial discussions (scope, pricing options, delivery assumptions).
- Support negotiations on MSAs/SOWs, milestone payment plans, and warranties-looping in Legal/Commercial Lead for IP/risk items.
- Track actions to contract signature and smooth handover to delivery/programs.
Partnerships & teaming
- Identify complementary partners (primes, SMEs, test facilities, universities) to strengthen bids and delivery credibility.
- Draft basic teaming outlines and coordinate NDAs/subcontractor inputs.
Forecasting & governance
- Maintain disciplined CRM hygiene: stages, dates, values (ACV/TCV), probability, and next actions.
- Report weekly pipeline health, risks, and slippage; propose mitigation steps.
Voice of customer
- Capture market feedback on performance, interfaces, qualification/TRL expectations, and schedule drivers.
- Feed insights into pricing, roadmaps, and make/buy decisions.
Compliance & controls
- Follow public-sector procurement rules and export-control guidance (UK/EU/US); flag items early to the Commercial Lead/Legal.
- Respect information security and bid confidentiality requirements.
Market presence & pitching
- Represent NewOrbit at briefings, conferences, and customer meetings.
- Deliver concise, compelling pitches and product demos tailored to technical and non-technical audiences.
Fundamental Requirements
- Experience: 3-5 years in business development, sales, or key accounts within aerospace/defence or deep-tech hardware (space preferred). Evidence of wins across government or enterprise procurement cycles.
- Tendering: Practical experience responding to RFIs/RFQs/ITTs: compliance matrices, scoring criteria, and long, multi-stakeholder pursuits.
- Commercial acumen: Comfortable discussing pricing structures, milestone payments, warranties, and basic contractual terms (with support for complex IP/liability topics).
- Domain fluency: Able to translate propulsion and small-sat platform capabilities-qualification, testing, readiness reviews-into customer value and business cases.
- Process & tools: Strong CRM discipline (stages, forecasting, KPIs) and proficiency with standard collaboration tools.
- Communication: Clear written and verbal communicator; confident presenter; stakeholder-savvy.
- Ways of working: High ownership, organised, and persistent; willing to travel for meetings, briefings, and events.
Nice to Have
- Prior sales to satellite primes/OEMs or government space agencies.
- Experience with export controls (e.g., ITAR/EAR awareness) and public-sector procurement frameworks.
- Network across European space ecosystems (UKSA/ESA supply chains, test partners, universities).
- Technical background in propulsion or satellite subsystems.
Why NewOrbit Space?
- Pioneering Space Technology - You\'ll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.
- Unmatched Ownership and Impact - You\'ll experience a level of ownership that\'s rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
- Equity and Competitive Salary - You\'ll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you\'re a part of our collective success.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package -Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.
Sales & Business Development Manager in Reading employer: NewOrbit Space Ltd
At NewOrbit Space, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of space technology. Our dynamic work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, allowing you to take ownership of groundbreaking projects while enjoying a competitive salary and equity in the company. With comprehensive benefits and a commitment to employee growth, we empower our team to thrive in a fast-paced environment that is anything but ordinary.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales & Business Development Manager in Reading
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Sales & Business Development Manager at NewOrbit Space Ltd, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including NewOrbit Space Ltd. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales & Business Development Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales & Business Development Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for NewOrbit Space Ltd:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for NewOrbit Space Ltd. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at NewOrbit Space Ltd
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show NewOrbit Space Ltd that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show NewOrbit Space Ltd that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with NewOrbit Space Ltd’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
