Commercial & Business Development Manager - US Expansion

Job Title: Commercial & Business Development Manager - US Expansion Location: London or Aylesbury (Hybrid) Department: Commercial, Drone Services Type: Full-time, Permanent About Us: Founded in 2018, Skyports is at the forefront of the Advanced Air Mobility revolution, developing and operating cutting-edge infrastructure for electric air taxis and leveraging drone technology to transform business operations across industries. Our business is split into two key areas: Skyports Drone Services uses drones to streamline logistics, capture data, and enhance operational efficiency, with a focus on rural deliveries, surveying, surveillance, and maritime services. Skyports Infrastructure plays a vital role in the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem, designing, building, owning, and operating vertiports that enable eVTOL operators to take off and land in cities around the world. With our presence in this dynamic, high-growth industry, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of our mission to reshape the future of air mobility. The Role: Skyports Drone Services is looking for a commercially driven, detail-oriented Commercial Manager – North America to support and grow our operations across the United States and wider AMER region. Based in the UK, you will play a pivotal role in expanding our commercial footprint in the US market while managing one of our key client relationships. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious commercial professional who enjoys building customer relationships, developing new markets, and helping scale innovative technology-led services internationally. You will work closely with operational teams across multiple regions to identify opportunities, develop proposals, and convert new business, with a particular focus on the utilities and construction sectors. Key Responsibilities: Lead the full sales cycle from prospecting and lead generation through to contract negotiation and deal closure. Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for one of Skyports Drone Services' key clients, managing communications, commercial discussions and long-term relationship development. Build and maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities across the United States and wider North American market. Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities within the utilities, construction and infrastructure sectors. Develop a deep understanding of customer challenges and use cases, including asset inspection, project monitoring, surveying, progress tracking, safety oversight and related data services. Prepare high-quality client-facing proposals, presentations and commercial documentation. Own and manage pricing models, financial analysis and commercial assessments using Excel. Lead responses to public and private procurement opportunities, including PQQs, RFIs, RFPs and ITTs. Work closely with operational teams to support the design and mobilisation of new drone operations. Monitor commercial performance, track deal progress and provide regular updates to internal stakeholders. Maintain accurate pipeline and opportunity reporting through HubSpot CRM. Represent Skyports Drone Services at client meetings, industry events, conferences and networking opportunities across North America. Support the wider commercial strategy for growth within the AMER region. Key Performance Indicators Timely and high-quality delivery of proposals, tenders and commercial documentation. Growth in qualified pipeline opportunities across North America. Achievement of revenue and sales targets from both existing and new customers. Successful conversion of new business opportunities within target sectors. Growth in commercial opportunities and revenue within utilities, construction and infrastructure markets. Strong client satisfaction, retention and relationship development. Accurate CRM reporting and commercial forecasting. Effective collaboration and communication with internal and external stakeholders. About You Essential Proven experience in business development, account management or commercial management roles. Demonstrated success in developing new business opportunities and growing customer relationships. Experience working within one or more of the following sectors: drones, aviation, utilities, construction, infrastructure, engineering, technology or professional services. Strong commercial acumen and the ability to identify customer needs and develop compelling value propositions. Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders confidently. Advanced PowerPoint skills and experience producing high-quality client-facing presentations. Strong Excel capabilities, including pricing models, commercial analysis and financial evaluation. Experience responding to tenders, procurement processes and competitive bids. Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Comfortable working independently within a remote and internationally focused team. Willingness and ability to travel regularly to the United States. Desirable Experience working with US-based customers, partners or stakeholders. Knowledge of the utilities and/or construction sectors. Experience using HubSpot CRM or similar customer relationship management platforms. Understanding of drone operations, aviation or emerging technology sectors. Experience working across multiple international markets and time zones. How to Apply: If you’re passionate about marketing and keen to be part of a pioneering company that is changing the future of transportation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re a great fit for this role. Skyports is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.