At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategies and secure high-value contracts in the aerospace sector.
- Company: Join NewOrbit Space, a pioneer in low-orbit satellite technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, comprehensive health benefits, and hybrid work.
- Other info: Enjoy unmatched ownership and career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space technology and redefine satellite operations.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in business development with expertise in aerospace or deep-tech hardware.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € 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 operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our propulsion system AURA, we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra-low altitudes.
Your Role
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to build and lead a high‑performing commercial function that drives strategic customer relationships and secures high‑value contracts with both government customers and large enterprises (primarily satellite primes and OEMs). You’ll own the path from shaping opportunities before tenders open, through leading competitive proposals, to securing multi‑year contracts and driving sustained account growth. Your ability to navigate complex, high‑stakes deals, foster a results‑driven culture, and partner with our engineering and business teams will directly influence NewOrbit’s market leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Dual‑market ownership: Govern map stakeholders, budgets, and decision paths; shape requirements before tenders open.
- Tender intelligence: Run capture plans, win themes, and competitor/price‑to‑win analyses; lead bid/no‑bid decisions.
- Proposal leadership: Orchestrate compliant submissions; coordinate clarifications, BAFO, and oral presentations.
- Complex deal negotiation: Close supply, licensing, and co‑development agreements; negotiate IP, warranties/liability, service levels, and milestone payments aligned to TRL gates.
- Partnerships: Report risks/mitigations and drive executive decision forums.
- Voice of customer: Feed market and procurement insights into roadmaps, qualification timelines, pricing, and make/buy decisions.
- Compliance: Deliver compelling pitches and presentations that clearly communicate our vision and value proposition.
- Team leadership: Build, mentor, and inspire a high‑performing commercial team, fostering persistence, creativity, and a results‑driven culture.
Fundamental Requirements
- Experience: ≥5 years in business development or key accounts for aerospace/defence or deep‑tech hardware, with wins across government procurement and large‑enterprise buying centres.
- Tender mastery: Demonstrated success leading competitive bids (capture planning, scoring criteria, compliance, pricing) and handling long, multi‑stakeholder cycles.
- Deal craft: Strong negotiation track record on MSAs/SOWs, licensing, co‑development, and milestone‑based contracts; fluent in IP and risk allocation.
- Domain fluency: Able to translate complex engineering (propulsion, ULEO satellite platforms, qualification, test/readiness reviews) into customer value and business cases.
- Leadership: Knows when to engage specialists.
- Marketing savvy: Skilled in shaping and delivering impactful presentations, narratives, and proposals that resonate with diverse audiences.
- Soft skills: Executive presence, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, stakeholder influence, and resilience in long negotiations.
- Ways of working: High ownership in a fast‑moving, cross‑functional environment; willing to travel for customer meetings, briefings, and negotiations.
Why NewOrbit Space?
- Pioneering Space Technology: You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations.
- 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.
- Hybrid Work: A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week. We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.
Commercial Lead employer: NewOrbit Space
At NewOrbit Space, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of space technology. Our collaborative and innovative work culture fosters personal and professional growth, while our competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive benefits ensure that your contributions are recognised and rewarded. Join us in redefining satellite operations and enjoy unmatched ownership and impact in a fast-paced environment that values creativity and results-driven performance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with industry folks or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with complex deals and tender processes. Share specific examples of how you've navigated high-stakes negotiations and secured contracts. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate for the Commercial Lead role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research NewOrbit Space thoroughly and understand their mission and technology. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially around building strategic customer relationships and driving account growth. Tailor your pitch to show how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Space Tech:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for space technology shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission at NewOrbit Space and how you can contribute to our groundbreaking projects.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in business development or key accounts, especially in aerospace or defence. We love seeing specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex deals and led competitive bids.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured submissions that communicate your skills and achievements without unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key when it comes to proposals!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at NewOrbit Space.
How to prepare for a job interview at NewOrbit Space
✨Know Your Satellites
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of satellite technology, especially ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO) systems. Understanding how NewOrbit's AURA propulsion system works and its advantages will help you articulate your value during the interview.
✨Master the Tender Process
Familiarise yourself with the tender process in the aerospace and defence sectors. Be ready to discuss your past experiences leading competitive bids and how you navigated complex stakeholder environments to secure contracts.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, particularly around multi-year contracts and licensing agreements. Highlight your ability to manage risks and allocate IP effectively, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Engage with the Team
Demonstrate your leadership style by discussing how you've built and mentored high-performing teams in the past. Share specific strategies you've used to foster a results-driven culture, as collaboration with engineering and business teams is key at NewOrbit.
