Role Overview
Reports to: Chief of Missions. The Satellite Applications Catapult (the Catapult) is organised into three Mission areas: Beyond Earth, Autonomous and Connected Earth, and Resilient Earth. Each Mission is tasked with developing a strategic portfolio of interventions that represent the highest opportunity for growth in the space sector. We are seeking a dynamic, strategic Commercial and Partnerships Director to secure, develop and deliver commercial and collaborative opportunities that strengthen our position to support the growth of businesses within the UK Space Sector.
Role Purpose
As Commercial and Partnerships Director you will report to the Chief of Missions and be accountable for shaping and delivering the Catapult’s commercial strategy (20%), managing the sales pipeline and analysing performance (20%), building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders across the UK (25%), leading a large team (20%) that includes sales operations, business development and work‑winning services, and reporting on revenue targets and KPIs to the Executive team (15%).
Key Responsibilities
* Refine and implement the Catapult’s revenue strategy plan ensuring total alignment with organisational Missions and national space ambitions.
* Accountable for commercial success, securing high‑value contracts and high‑impact partnerships that fuel the UK space economy.
* Provide commercial leadership and governance on major bids and proposals, ensuring solutions are robust, professional and strategically and financially sound.
* Build strong relationships with C‑Level equivalents to close strategic deals and optimise convergence of key opportunities.
* Lead and manage the commercial leadership team to grow revenue‑generating opportunities, identifying emerging opportunities and shaping them into unique value propositions.
* Coach and mentor the team, providing development opportunities and support to expand capabilities and maximise resources.
* Coordinate cross‑functional teams to deliver commercial outcomes, ensuring Mission Leads and commercial teams operate in total synergy.
* Maintain oversight of the sales pipeline, budgets and financial forecasts, overseeing pricing and revenue, negotiating contracts and managing risk.
* Forecast, monitor and report KPIs and strategic milestones, ensuring the commercial engine remains accountable to the Catapult’s broader mission impact.
* Act as an escalation point to resolve issues and deliver creative commercial solutions to meet business objectives.
* Serve as a spokesperson for the Catapult at conferences, strategic forums and industry events, identifying opportunities for the Space industry to raise visibility.
Essential Experience & Knowledge
* Proven track record of sales from demand creation to securing high‑value and high‑impact contracts.
* Deeply entrenched within the UK Space ecosystem, with a sophisticated network of relationships and expert understanding of funding, market dynamics and emerging opportunities.
* Expert knowledge of space and satellite technology and ability to articulate their value in solving complex real‑world challenges.
* Leadership ability to mobilise and inspire senior cross‑functional teams in a complex matrix environment.
* Significant experience shaping and executing commercial strategies in technology‑led environments.
* Extensive experience building trusted relationships and translating customer strategies into actionable technical requirements.
* Exceptional leadership and communication skills, acting as a trusted advisor to senior government officials and industry CEOs while maintaining internal alignment.
* A high‑impact public speaker and storyteller capable of translating complex technical concepts into compelling narratives.
* Expertise overseeing the development of high‑stakes proposals and value propositions that provide strategic solutions beyond selling.
* Creative and analytical thinker adept at navigating ambiguity and designing customer‑centric solutions for multi‑faced national challenges.
Desirable Experience & Knowledge
* Working knowledge of dual‑use technologies and strategic understanding of their role in national security, sovereign capability and global economic competitiveness.
About us & how we work
We strive to create a high trust, high performance and inclusive environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work and fosters an innovation culture. Our shared values are: care for people, partners and planet; connect and engage with people and ideas; learn and grow as an industry.
Benefits
We offer a hybrid policy designed around collaboration, with one 'anchor' day per week working with your direct team and another flexible day per week to collaborate or work with other colleagues.
EEO Statement
At Satellite Applications Catapult, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, although visa sponsorship availability depends on interest and salary level.
#J-18808-Ljbffr