Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager Mission: The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving commercial growth across the space ecosystem by identifying new opportunities, forming strategic partnerships, and securing long-term contracts. This mid-to-senior level role requires a strong understanding of the space market—including satellite systems, launch services, space infrastructure, or downstream applications—and the ability to engage credibly with government, institutional, and commercial stakeholders. The role blends strategic market development with hands-on execution, supporting revenue growth across institutional, defense, and commercial customers. What will be your responsibilities: Market & Strategy Development Identify and develop new business opportunities across space-related markets (e.g., Earth observation, telecommunications, space exploration, SSA or downstream applications) Analyze market trends, customer needs, regulatory environments, and competitive landscapes Support definition and execution of go-to-market and capture strategies for priority accounts and programs Sales & Commercial Execution Lead business development activities from opportunity identification through contract negotiation and closing Manage complex, long-cycle sales processes involving public institutions, prime contractors, and commercial operators Develop compelling value propositions, proposals, and pricing strategies aligned with customer missions Public Sector & Institutional Bids Management Identify and assess relevant public funding programs, calls for proposals, and procurement opportunities (e.g., R&D, innovation, operational services) Lead and coordinate bids and tenders with European and national public-sector entities, including European Space Agency (ESA), European Commission (EC), European Defence Agency (EDA), and national space, defence, and innovation agencies Own the end-to-end bid process, including opportunity qualification, consortium building, compliance review, proposal development, submission, and contract negotiation Act as the primary commercial interface with institutional customers throughout the tender lifecycle and support negotiation of grant agreements, contracts, and amendments following award Maintain a structured pipeline of institutional opportunities and monitor funding roadmaps and future calls Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, partners, integrators, and suppliers Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and international conferences Identify partnership or consortia opportunities for major institutional or exploration programs Cross-Functional Leadership Work closely with engineering, product, legal, and program management teams to shape competitive offers Translate customer requirements into internal technical and commercial inputs Contribute to roadmap planning and investment decisions based on market intelligence Governance & Reporting Maintain an accurate opportunity pipeline and provide realistic sales forecasts Ensure compliance with export control, procurement, and institutional contracting requirements Prepare regular business reviews and strategic updates for senior leadership Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, or a related field 5–10+ years of experience in business development, sales, or commercial roles within the space or aerospace sector Solid understanding of space systems, services, and industry stakeholders Proven experience managing complex B2B or B2G sales cycles Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills Experience working with international customers and partners Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree (MBA, Aerospace Engineering, or similar) Experience with institutional customers (e.g., ESA, NASA, EU, national space agencies, defence organizations) Experience with commercial customers and the New Space market Knowledge of export control regulations (ITAR/EAR or equivalents) Existing industry network within the space ecosystem Experience contributing to major bids or strategic programs Key Competencies Strategic and commercial mindset Ability to bridge technical and business discussions Relationship-driven and highly credible with senior stakeholders Resilient, autonomous, and comfortable with ambiguity Strong planning, prioritization, and decision-making skills What we have to offer you • A dynamic and collaborative working environment, with the opportunity to make a real impact • A competitive salary package, aligned with your proven level of experience • Meal allowance and health insurance for employees • Shuttle transport service to the offices in Leiria, Caldas da Rainha and Ponte de Sor • Bonus in line with company policy • Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Do you want to know more about us ? Visit our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tekever/ Department BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Locations (PT) Tekever Lisboa Remote status Hybrid