Director of Business Growth
Satellite Applications Catapult is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Business Growth to build and lead a new multidisciplinary business growth function. The role supports UK space companies from early‑stage to scale‑up, helping them develop commercial strategies, secure funding, validate technologies, and enter new markets.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief of External Affairs, the Director will lead a multidisciplinary team across strategy, insights, business support, innovation services, investments, and international growth, working closely with our business development and technical experts.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the Business Growth function, setting vision, objectives and delivery plans.
* Build, develop and manage a high‑performing team across insights, business support, innovation, investment and international expansion.
* Oversee and nurture a portfolio of high‑potential businesses, establishing growth plans with clear milestones.
* Design, refine and deliver products, services and programmes that:
o Support start‑ups and spin‑outs with early‑stage advice, customer validation and business model development.
o Assist scaling companies with product development, customer engagement and market entry.
o Provide access to Catapult expertise and infrastructure to accelerate growth.
* Co‑operate with external partners (e.g., Innovate UK, DBT, private sector) to fill gaps and offer a full spectrum of support.
* Support companies to access public and private funding, develop compelling business cases and secure investment through rounds.
* Lead support for companies expanding into global markets, facilitating access to international supply chains, export opportunities and overseas presence.
* Work with companies to identify customer needs, design user‑led products and services, and integrate offerings into wider ecosystems.
* Support companies in building customer strategies and scaling revenue streams.
About You
We are looking for a candidate with a strong blend of leadership, commercial and innovation expertise, ideally with experience in the space sector or other high‑technology industries.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience leading business growth or commercialisation functions.
* Track record of supporting companies to grow, from start‑up through to SME stage and beyond.
* Strong understanding of start‑up and scale‑up ecosystems, including investment, public funding, customer development and internationalisation.
* Excellent leadership, team management, communication, stakeholder management and partnership‑building skills.
Desirable Skills & Experience
* Knowledge of the space sector or adjacent technologies (aerospace, defence, data, telecommunications).
* Experience in a business growth role within an accelerator, innovation agency, Catapult or consultancy.
* International business development experience, particularly in building overseas presence, exports and supply chain development.
About Us & How We Work
* We care – for our people, our partners, and our planet.
* We connect – and engage with people and ideas.
* We learn – and grow, as people and as an industry.
The above suggests a high‑trust, high‑performance and inclusive environment that encourages team members to bring their whole selves to work.
Employment Policy
We offer a hybrid policy: one anchor day per week with the direct team and an additional flexible day per week for collaboration with colleagues and customers.
We use tools to detect plagiarism and the use of AI or chatbots for applicant answers. If plagiarism, AI use (e.g., ChatGPT) or similar software is found in your application, you will not be considered for this or future roles at Satellite Applications Catapult.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, but visa‑related challenges may arise. Sponsorship availability will depend on role interest and salary level.
We also offer study support (at our discretion) and on‑the‑job training will be provided. If you need additional support during the application process, please contact us. We invite you to share feedback via Applied.
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