Business Development Manager (Southampton Space Institute)

The University seeks applications for a Business Development Manager (BDM) within the new Southampton Space Institute. The vision of the Southampton Space Institute is to unify the many space activities across the University, further its growing reputation in space, develop industrial partnerships both local to the South of England, national and international, and increase funding success. This ambition is supported by the University’s world-class facilities enabling excellent space science, space technology development, and terrestrial applications of space data. A dedicated space strategy has been developed to support the vision.

The BDM role will be central in turning the vision into practice. The University is therefore seeking an experienced space-sector business development professional who can demonstrate that they can:

• Understand the national space and global policy context and the needs of customers and partners.
• Support the Institute Director in representing the University within space fora (conferences, committees etc.) and influence relevant decision makers using their well-developed sector network.
• Understand the University’s operating environment and build relationships with individual researchers.
• Manage a prioritised pipeline of future funding opportunities, taking into account both the University’s capabilities and suitable partnering strategies.
• Coordinate the preparation of excellent proposals tailored to different customers including but not limited to ESA, European Commission, UKSA, Research Councils, Innovate UK, MoD, Space Command and DSTL.

The BDM should promote multidisciplinary research by helping researchers collaborate across departments, and by looking for opportunities for researchers to work with industry. This is a prestigious role for someone who wants to make a real difference as an advocate in their community, as a knowledge exchange leader, as an innovator, and as a commercialisation expert.

This post is offered on a full-time basis (1FTE), with a flexible working pattern. To make the most of this incredible opportunity, you will need to have a good degree in science or a related field or have an equivalent and relevant professional qualification/experience. Your commercial experience will be impressive with experience around ESA tender bids, and you will be passionate about, and have experience with, working in partnership with scientists to develop technology transfer and commercialisation opportunities from their research. You will have great communication skills with the ability to engage both researchers and external partners.

The role is available from August 1st 2026, but an alternative start date may be possible subject to discussion.

We are nationally recognised for our commitment to equality, and for embedding inclusive practices across the institution. We are proud to be an Athena Swan silver award holder at an institutional level, a Race Equality Charter bronze award holder, a Disability Confident Leader, and a University Mental Health Charter award holder. We are also proactive members of the Researcher Development Concordat and Technician Commitment. These achievements reflect our dedication to equity, representation, and opportunity for all. We are committed to all of our staff achieving a healthy work-life balance, with flexible working hours available.

To take this fascinating next step in your career, informal enquiries to our Director of the Space Institute, Prof Matt Middleton on m.j.middleton@soton.ac.uk are very welcome. To apply, please attach a cover letter and CV to your application.