At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and business development in defence and space sectors.
- Company: Join Thales Alenia Space, a leader in satellite systems and space solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a performance bonus, flexible hours, generous leave, and health perks.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national programmes and future space capabilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy and business development within defence or aerospace.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
About Thales Alenia Space: Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) that delivers satellite systems, enabling secure connectivity, precise positioning, and deeper exploration of our planet and beyond. It works closely with Telespazio through the Space Alliance to provide end‑to‑end space solutions for governments and commercial customers worldwide.
Role Summary: The senior Strategy & Defence leader will work directly with the UK CEO and executive team to define and deliver UK growth strategy across defence, institutional and commercial markets. This high‑impact role has direct influence on national‑level programmes and future space capability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and deliver the UK strategic business plan in alignment with global TAS direction
- Lead capture strategies for major bids, particularly within UK MoD and DSTL
- Own and develop a 5‑year pipeline with accurate forecasting and win probability
- Build and maintain senior stakeholder relationships across UK Government and agencies
- Drive new business in spacecraft propulsion, refuelling and wider defence applications
- Coordinate capture activities across the TAS joint venture
- Contribute to bid strategy, including win themes, competitor positioning and pricing strategy
What You’ll Bring:
- Proven experience in strategy, business development or capture leadership within defence, space or aerospace
- Strong understanding of UK Government customers (e.g. MoD, DSTL, UKSA)
- Track record of winning complex, high‑value bids
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead through collaboration rather than authority
- Strong commercial acumen combined with the ability to grasp technical concepts quickly
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Resilience, adaptability and a results‑driven mindset
Benefits:
- Performance‑related bonus
- Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours per year (pro rata)
- 24 hours volunteered time paid for
- Private healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Life cover
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to a mental wellbeing app
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
Security Clearance Requirement: This role requires Security Clearance (SC). If you do not currently hold clearance, you must obtain, achieve and maintain SC clearance before commencing employment. You must generally have resided in the UK for the last 5 years; in some circumstances a minimum of 3 years’ residence over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.
Equal Opportunity Employment: At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all.
Strategy and Defence Sales Manager in Harwell employer: Thales
Thales Alenia Space is an exceptional employer located in Oxford, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a performance-related bonus, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional growth within the thriving defence and aerospace sectors. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and a focus on meaningful projects that influence national-level programmes, Thales Alenia Space stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy and Defence Sales Manager in Harwell
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Thales!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Strategy and Defence Sales Manager position at Thales via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy and Defence Sales Manager in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Thales.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Thales’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Thales. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Thales. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Thales.
