Business Development Manager, Space Initiatives

SES Space & Defense • Reston, VA

30d

About The Position

The Business Development Manager, Space Initiatives is a strategic business leader responsible for positioning SES Space & Defense and SES as trusted partners for next-generation sovereign space capabilities supporting the U.S. Government and allied nations. The role identifies, shapes, and advances growth opportunities in end-to-end space and network solutions, translating emerging mission needs into viable business opportunities and influencing future space architectures. It works across SES Space & Defense and the broader SES organization, collaborating with customers, industry partners, engineering organizations, and executive leadership to define long-term growth strategies and strengthen the company’s position in the government market.

The successful candidate brings national security space market knowledge, technical credibility, and business acumen to shape strategy, influence investment decisions, build customer and partner relationships, and drive long-term growth. The role supports next-generation space-based network and satellite solutions, including space relay services and other space-segment initiatives, and may involve domestic and international travel for customer and business engagements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Business, Communications, or another related technical or business discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience within the satellite, telecommunications, or space industry.
• Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance with the ability to maintain eligibility.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial space-based solutions supporting U.S. Government missions, including space data relay services.
• Experience working with U.S. Government customers and acquisition processes.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in business development, capture management, sales, marketing, and organizational growth strategies.
• Understanding of DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE), DoD 5000 acquisition processes, and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) procurements.
• Ability to develop business opportunities with U.S. allies, coalition partners, and international government customers.
• Knowledge of U.S. national security space architectures and mission areas, including MILSATCOM, Space Data Networks, Missile Warning and Tracking, and resilient space systems.
• Knowledge of satellite industry trends, emerging technologies, and strategic market initiatives.
• Strong ability to drive revenue growth and execute strategic business initiatives.
• Outstanding organizational, analytical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of customer needs, competitive positioning, and market dynamics.
• Ability to interpret government contracts and translate customer requirements into business opportunities.
• Strong understanding of U.S. Government capture management processes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to support customers and business initiatives.
• Experience identifying, qualifying, and developing strategic business opportunities.
• Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools and processes.
• Familiarity with U.S. Government Information Assurance standards and practices.
• Experience developing and executing strategic business plans.
• Extensive network of relationships across the commercial space and U.S. Government sectors.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Position SES Space & Defense and SES as leaders in the Sovereign Space market.
• Lead next-generation business development programs for end-to-end space-based network and satellite solutions.
• Support proposal development, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs, through the business capture process, coordinating subcontractors, consultants, and internal team members.
• Develop and maintain relationships with U.S. Government organizations, industry partners, satellite operators, competitors, and vendors to identify strategic market opportunities.
• Conduct U.S. Government market analyses, including mid- and long-term forecasts for SATCOM bandwidth demand, technology evolution, and emerging market trends.
• Develop strategies, initiatives, and investment recommendations that support organizational strategic goals and financial objectives.
• Identify, qualify, and develop mid- and long-term opportunities related to space relay services and other space-segment growth initiatives, coordinating with government, allied, and industry partners.
• Work with senior leadership to identify, qualify, and execute strategic opportunities, including alliances, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and other revenue-generating initiatives.
• Attend trade shows, conferences, customer engagements, and industry events as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior