Business Development/Bid Manager

Job description

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.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Oxford

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

04-02-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English