At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business development and sales activities while learning about cutting-edge PNT technology.
- Company: Join Xona, a pioneering navigational intelligence company with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health insurance, and supportive parental leave.
- Other info: Fast-paced startup environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in commercial leadership and make an impact in the tech industry.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in business development or sales; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real‑time, centimeter‑level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth. With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future‑proof, backwards‑compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.
This role is designed as an entry point into commercial leadership within the organisation. Initially, you will support business development and sales activities in a back‑of‑house capacity, working closely with technical and commercial teams to understand our products, customers, and markets. Over time, you will take on increasing ownership of customer engagement, sales execution, and government engagement as you build expertise in Xona’s offerings and the broader PNT ecosystem.
What You’ll Do
- Business Development Support – support the sales pipeline by conducting market research, identifying target customers, and helping to qualify new opportunities across key verticals.
- Customer & Market Analysis – develop a strong understanding of customer needs, use cases, and competitive positioning within the PNT landscape, helping to inform commercial strategy.
- Sales Operations & Coordination – assist in preparing proposals, presentations, and commercial materials, as well as coordinating internal stakeholders to support ongoing deals and partnerships.
- Customer Engagement (Progressive Responsibility) – as your experience grows, you will begin to engage directly with customers, supporting meetings, demonstrations, and eventually leading sales discussions and managing accounts.
- Cross‑functional Collaboration – work closely with engineering, product, and leadership teams to align customer requirements with product capabilities and roadmap development.
Requirements
- 3–5 years of experience in business development, sales, or a related commercial role.
- Strong understanding of Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), ideally from a user or application perspective.
- Ability to understand and communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Experience supporting or managing sales pipelines, CRM tools, and commercial processes including bid writing.
- Experience coordinating with government in both civil and defence.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organised, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced startup environment.
- Must have right to work in the UK.
Desirable
- Experience in one or more of the following sectors: Agritech, Automotive, Marine, Timing / critical infrastructure, Defence.
- Familiarity with GNSS technologies, PNT solutions, or adjacent space‑based services.
- Experience working in a technical or engineering‑led organisation.
- Exposure to early‑stage or high‑growth companies.
Special Considerations
This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
Benefits
- Flexible working and PTO/time off policy – Xona measures progress by results, not time on the clock.
- Hybrid working – three days per week in office in London.
- Supportive parental leave.
- Health insurance.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Business Development Associate employer: Xona
Contact Detail:
Xona Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Xona and its products inside out! Dive into their website, read up on their PNT solutions, and understand how they stand out in the market. This knowledge will help you shine during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to referrals, which can be a game-changer in landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your past experiences relate to the role of Business Development Associate. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical concepts, as you'll need to bridge the gap between tech and non-tech audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from the conversation that resonated with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the company. Dive into Xona's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with what they're looking for in a Business Development Associate.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Highlight your relevant experience in business development and sales, especially any work related to PNT or similar sectors. Show us why you're the perfect fit for this role!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We want to see your communication skills shine through, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Xona!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xona
✨Know Your PNT Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) concepts. Familiarise yourself with how these technologies work and their applications in various sectors. This will help you communicate effectively and show that you're genuinely interested in Xona's offerings.
✨Research Xona and Its Market
Dive deep into Xona’s products and the competitive landscape. Understand who their key competitors are and what differentiates Xona in the market. This knowledge will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Customer Engagement Scenarios
Think about potential customer scenarios you might encounter in this role. Prepare examples of how you would approach customer engagement, from initial contact to managing accounts. This will showcase your proactive mindset and readiness to take on responsibilities as you grow.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires excellent organisational skills, be ready to discuss how you manage tasks and priorities. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully coordinated projects or supported sales pipelines, highlighting your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.