Manager, Business Development (Grade P12)

At SES Space & Defense, we deliver secure, resilient connectivity and integrated space solutions for customers operating in the world’s most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled communications, we combine capabilities across all orbits with extensive global ground infrastructure, managed networks, hosted payload solutions, and mission integration services to support communications, sensing, data transport, and operational resilience worldwide.

About the role

SES Space & Defense is seeking a strategic, growth-oriented Business Development Manager to lead customer engagement, pipeline development, and capture strategy across U.S. Government, Department of War (DoW), Intelligence Community (IC), and allied mission areas. This role is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and securing new business opportunities aligned with the company’s satellite communications, secure connectivity, managed network services, and mission-critical space-enabled capabilities. The ideal candidate combines strong government market expertise with executive-level relationship management, technical credibility, and a proven track record of winning complex federal and defense opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Business Development & Growth Strategy
  • Identify, develop, and execute strategic business development initiatives supporting company growth objectives.
  • Build and maintain a qualified pipeline of opportunities across DoW, IC, civilian agencies, and strategic partners.
  • Lead opportunity qualification, competitive positioning, and account planning activities.
  • Develop and maintain customer engagement strategies aligned with corporate priorities and market trends.
  • Conduct market analysis, competitive intelligence, and customer research to identify emerging opportunities.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to define long-term growth strategies and market expansion initiatives.
• Customer Engagement & Relationship Management
  • Establish and maintain trusted relationships with senior government, military, and industry stakeholders.
  • Represent the company at customer meetings, industry conferences, and government events.
  • Develop partnerships and teaming arrangements with strategic industry partners and integrators.
  • Serve as a key interface between customers and internal technical, operations, and program teams.
• Capture & Proposal Support
  • Support capture management activities from opportunity identification through contract award.
  • Assist in developing win strategies, value propositions, pricing approaches, and competitive differentiators.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams during proposal development and solution design.
  • Contribute to proposal reviews, customer presentations, and executive briefings.
  • Ensure CRM systems and pipeline forecasting tools are maintained accurately.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, legal, finance, contracts, and program management teams.
  • Provide market and customer insight to support product development and service innovation.
  • Mentor junior business development professionals and contribute to a high-performance growth culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, International Relations, Political Science, or related field.
• Experience in business development, capture, or strategic sales within the defense, aerospace, satellite communications, or government technology sectors.
• Demonstrated success developing and winning opportunities with DoW, IC, federal civilian agencies, or allied government customers.
• Strong understanding of government acquisition processes, contract vehicles, and procurement lifecycle.
• Proven ability to build executive-level customer relationships and influence strategic decisions.
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar opportunity pipelines.
• Strong presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Active U.S. security clearance (Secret minimum; Top Secret/SCI preferred) or ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Must be able to travel up to 40%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in satellite communications (SATCOM), space systems, secure networking, or managed communications services.
• Familiarity with military communications architectures, tactical networking, or resilient space-enabled solutions.
• Existing relationships within DoW, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, or international defense organizations.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $[MIN] to $[MAX]. The final base salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the position’s location, the candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Where applicable, this position may also be eligible for an annual bonus.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick and personal leave
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k)-retirement plan

Schedule

This role is hybrid based in our Reston VA or Tampa FL office.