Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

TEKEVER

Lisbon, Portugal

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