Business Development Manager, Space Initiatives

Who We Are At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled connectivity, we deliver multi-orbit, end-to-end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth communications across the globe. Our differentiated multi-orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated terrestrial and network infrastructure to deliver resilient, low-latency, high-throughput connectivity at a global scale. With more than 120 satellites covering nearly the entire world, a global ground network, and thousands of deployed terminals supporting over 5,000 government missions annually, SES Space and Defense is a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, and agencies including NASA for mission-critical communications. We strive to be the only solution when success is critical and recognize our people as our competitive advantage. At SES Space & Defense, you’ll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, honor, and accountability, delivering real-world impact across today’s most critical missions. What You’ll Do The Business Development Manager, Space Initiatives is a strategic business leader responsible for positioning SES Space & Defense as a trusted partner for next-generation sovereign space capabilities supporting the U.S. Government and allied nations. This role identifies, shapes, and advances new growth opportunities centered on end-to-end space and network solutions, helping customers solve increasingly complex mission challenges through innovative commercial space technologies. Working across SES Space & Defense and the broader SES organization, the successful candidate will help define long-term growth strategies, develop new business opportunities, and influence future space architectures that expand the company's position in the government market. The role requires close collaboration with customers, industry partners, engineering organizations, and executive leadership to translate emerging mission needs into viable business opportunities. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced business development leader who combines deep knowledge of the national security space market with the ability to shape strategy, influence investment decisions, and drive long-term growth. Position SES Space & Defense and SES as a leader within the Sovereign Space marketLead next-generation business development programs delivering end-to-end space-based network and satellite solutionsSupport proposal development efforts, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs, through the business capture process while coordinating subcontractors, consultants, and internal team membersDevelop and maintain relationships with U.S. Government organizations, industry partners, satellite operators, competitors, and vendors to identify strategic market opportunitiesPerform U.S. Government market analyses, including mid- and long-term forecasts for SATCOM bandwidth demand, technology evolution, and emerging market trendsDevelop SES Space & Defense strategies, initiatives, and investment recommendations supporting the organization's strategic goals and financial objectivesIdentify, qualify, and develop mid- and long-term opportunities related to space relay services and other space-segment growth initiatives while coordinating with government, allied, and industry partnersWork with senior leadership to identify, qualify, and execute strategic opportunities, including alliances, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and other revenue-generating initiativesAttend trade shows, conferences, customer engagements, and industry events as required Who You Are You are a strategic business development leader with a deep understanding of the national security space market and the ability to translate emerging customer requirements into long-term business growth. You thrive at the intersection of government missions, commercial innovation, and corporate strategy, building trusted relationships that influence future space capabilities and investment decisions. You are equally comfortable engaging executive leadership, government stakeholders, engineering teams, and industry partners to shape opportunities from concept through capture. Your background combines technical credibility with strong business acumen, allowing you to evaluate market trends, identify strategic gaps, and develop differentiated growth strategies. Most importantly, you are motivated by advancing resilient space architectures and helping government customers solve tomorrow's mission challenges through innovative commercial space solutions. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Business, Communications, or another related technical or business disciplineAdvanced degree preferredMinimum of 10 years of professional experience within the satellite, telecommunications, or space industryActive Top Secret/SCI security clearance with the ability to maintain eligibilityAdvanced knowledge of commercial space-based solutions supporting U.S. Government missions, including space data relay servicesExperience working with U.S. Government customers and acquisition processesDemonstrated leadership experience in business development, capture management, sales, marketing, and organizational growth strategiesUnderstanding of DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE), DoD 5000 acquisition processes, and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) procurementsAbility to develop business opportunities with U.S. allies, coalition partners, and international government customersKnowledge of U.S. national security space architectures and mission areas, including MILSATCOM, Space Data Networks, Missile Warning and Tracking, and resilient space systemsKnowledge of satellite industry trends, emerging technologies, and strategic market initiativesStrong ability to drive revenue growth and execute strategic business initiativesOutstanding organizational, analytical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skillsStrong understanding of customer needs, competitive positioning, and market dynamicsAbility to interpret government contracts and translate customer requirements into business opportunitiesStrong understanding of U.S. Government capture management processesAbility to travel domestically and internationally to support customers and business initiativesExperience identifying, qualifying, and developing strategic business opportunitiesFamiliarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools and processesFamiliarity with U.S. Government Information Assurance standards and practicesExperience developing and executing strategic business plansExtensive network of relationships across the commercial space and U.S. Government sectors SES Space and Defense is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.