The posting
Space Inventor is looking for an experienced Defence Business Development Lead to drive business development, collaboration and sales within the defence and security market.
The Defence Business Development Lead will be responsible for identifying, developing and closing opportunities with defence customers, government organisations, procurement agencies, defence primes and strategic industry partners across Europe and internationally, with a focus on European, Nordic and Baltic regions.
The role will focus on satellite missions, constellations and space-based capabilities supporting areas such as ISR, SIGINT, Earth observation, maritime surveillance, situational awareness, secure communications and sovereign space capabilities.
This is a senior hands-on government- and customer-facing role. You will own opportunities from early market engagement and requirement shaping through RFI/RFP, proposal development, negotiation and contract award. As the business development lead, you will be supported by a cross-functional team of specialists that will help shape competitive and technically sound proposals.
A key part of the role is to engage with partners/primes and government officials before formal procurements are released. You will use your existing defence network and market understanding to identify emerging requirements, programmes and partnerships where Space Inventor's satellite capabilities can create operational value.
You do not need to be a satellite engineer, but you must have a solid understanding of the sales cycle and the ability to navigate complex sales processes. Additionally, you must be able to understand complex operational requirements and engage credibly with military, governmental, commercial and technical stakeholders.
The job is located in Aalborg or Copenhagen, Denmark. You’ll report to the Mission Sales Director and work closely with both the marketing and sales teams.
Your Responsibilities
- Lead commercial negotiations covering scope, pricing, contractual conditions and programme requirements.
- Develop and grow Space Inventor's business within the European and international defence and security market, with focus on Nordics and Baltics.
- Identify and develop opportunities through an established network across Ministries of Defence, armed forces, procurement agencies, defence primes, system integrators and strategic partners.
- Engage customers early to understand operational requirements, upcoming programmes and procurement plans before formal tenders are released.
- Own the commercial sales cycle from qualification through RFI/RFQ/RFP, proposal, negotiation and contract award.
- Develop strategic accounts and capture plans for priority defence programmes and customers.
- Identify and qualify local partners in the focus countries and build partnerships/consortia to address local needs and requirements.
- Monitor defence programmes, budgets, tenders, competitors and market developments to identify future opportunities.
- Maintain the defence sales pipeline, forecasts and opportunity strategies and contribute to Space Inventor's overall defence market strategy.
- Represent Space Inventor at customer meetings, exhibitions and industry events.
Qualifications
You should have strong knowledge of the defence sector, its operational environment and customer landscape, combined with a good understanding of space-based defence capabilities and their role in modern defence operations.
You do not need to be a technical space specialist, but you should be able to understand defence requirements, identify where satellite-based solutions can provide operational value and engage credibly with defence customers and Space Inventor's technical specialists.
We expect you to have:
- Significant proven experience within defence sales, business development, capture management, partnership development and complex defence solution sales.
- A successful track record of developing business with defence and governmental customers, including signed contracts and long-term strategic partnerships
- A strong and relevant existing network within the European defence industry, including relationships with defence organisations, procurement agencies, primes, system integrators and strategic partners.
- A strong international outlook and preferably an established global defence network.
- Experience engaging directly with Ministries of Defence, armed forces, defence procurement organisations or other governmental stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of B2G sales and defence procurement processes.
- Ability to understand technically complex products and communicate their operational and commercial value.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
- Professional fluency in English.
- Willingness to travel frequently within Europe and internationally.
- Ability to work closely with engineers and technical specialists when developing customer solutions.
Advantageous experience:
- Previous experience within space, satellites, ISR, SIGINT, electronic warfare, surveillance, secure communications, sensors, UAVs or other advanced defence technologies.
- Previous employment with a defence prime, defence technology company, military organisation, government organisation or procurement authority.
- Experience working with NATO nations or NATO organisations.
- Knowledge of European defence initiatives, funding programmes and procurement mechanisms.
- Military or governmental defence experience.
- Experience working with classified or security-sensitive programmes.
What We Offer
- A full-time role with exposure to a variety of disciplines within space technology.
- A position in an exciting, rapidly growing industry with significant international reach.
- A chance to shape your role and responsibilities within a growing company.
- Great colleagues and several social events each year.
- Health insurance and additional employee benefits.
- Competitive salary and good working conditions.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, apply by submitting your CV and application. If you have any questions about the position, feel free to contact us via [email protected], and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Interviews are held continuously until the right candidate is found.
Start date to be agreed, but preferably with start-up as soon as possible.
We look forward to receiving your application.
About Space Inventor
Space Inventor is a leading Satellite company with a passion for exploring space and delivering innovative solutions in satellite technology. Our mission is to revolutionize the space industry with creativity, technical expertise, and reliability. With our 250+ years of combined experience in the space industry, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what satellites can achieve.
