Business Development Manager. Space Industry (ESA / UKSA / Institutional Bids)
Full-Time | Space Sector | Business Development | Bid Management
A leading space-sector organisation in the UK is hiring a Business Development Manager to support institutional funding opportunities, ESA and UKSA programmes, and strategic commercial growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced space company focused on space sustainability, in-orbit servicing and next-generation space missions.
I’m looking for a BD professional with strong experience in ESA bids, UKSA programmes, space-sector sales, or institutional proposal development. Candidates with technical space backgrounds (systems engineering, mission design, space segment experience) looking to move into a commercial/business development role are also encouraged to apply.
Why this role is exciting
* Support European Space Agency (ESA) and UK Space Agency (UKSA) bids.
* Contribute to major space programmes such as in-orbit servicing (IOS), space debris removal, space sustainability, and space safety.
* Help shape strategy, funding, and future capabilities for high-impact space missions.
Key Responsibilities
Capture Management (ESA, UKSA, EU)
* Identify, track and analyse institutional opportunities across ESA, UKSA, EU and national programmes.
* Align upcoming projects and R&D with relevant ESA/UKSA/European funding calls.
* Maintain a pipeline of institutional bid opportunities and strategic projects.
* Contribute to customer and competitor analysis within the European space ecosystem.
* Support budget modelling and financial inputs for government and agency programme submissions.
Bid & Proposal Management
* Lead and coordinate full bid lifecycles - from ITT opening to final submission - for ESA, UKSA and EU programmes.
* Drive bid production schedules, internal reviews, red/gold team processes and QA/PA compliance.
* Collaborate with engineering, finance, contracts, procurement, business analysis and project teams to deliver high-quality proposals.
* Manage bid financials and coordinate partner input for multi-partner consortia.
* Develop compelling win themes, commercial structures and competitive pricing.
Business Development & Customer Engagement
* Support BD strategy, commercial activities, customer engagement and partner development.
* Represent the organisation at ESA, UKSA, EU and international space conferences and BD events.
* Contribute to account management for key institutional stakeholders.
* Support policy engagement and the development of new space products and services.
Essential Skills & Experience
* 2–4+ years’ experience in bid management or business development within the space industry.
* Proven experience with ESA/UKSA programmes, e.g., ARTES, GSTP, Space Safety, Space Transportation, In-Orbit Servicing, ITTs.
* Strong understanding of the European space ecosystem, funding mechanisms and institutional stakeholders.
* Ability to draft compelling technical and commercial proposal content.
* Strong commercial awareness and familiarity with space-sector sales cycles.
* Excellent communication skills (technical and non-technical).
* Highly proactive, organised and self-motivated.
* Passion for space sustainability, space environment, in-orbit servicing (IOS) and orbital debris challenges.
Desirable
* Postgraduate degree in aerospace, engineering or related field.
* Technical knowledge of spacecraft systems (space segment preferred).
* Experience in in-orbit servicing, active debris removal, SSA/STM, or complex space mission bids.
* Skilled in producing bid volumes of varying scale - from short EoIs to multi-volume ESA proposals.
* ESA PSS form knowledge and experience with ESA bid financials.
* Background in satellite business development, satellite sales or commercial space programmes.
* Understanding of project management in space missions.