Business Development Manager - Optical Communications

Business Development Manager for optical communications

Fulltime - Leiden

At Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands we work at the frontiers of technology in one of the most challenging and rapidly changing industries in the world: Space. Our products and services - including solar arrays, launcher structures, instruments, laser satellite communication products and defence systems - are among the best in the world. They enable missions that are of great importance for our everyday life on Earth, such as satellite navigation, communications, climate research and monitoring of air quality. At our state-of-the-art facilities in Leiden (located on the Bio Science park), a team of over 250 dedicated professionals work on the design, development, assembly, testing and delivery of space products and services.

We do that by thinking creatively in terms of solutions and by working with like-minded business partners. Intensive collaboration in our international community is key to our success, also within the Airbus family that we are proudly part of.

Airbus Netherlands is expanding its business into Laser Satellite Communication and therefore we are looking for a Business Development Manager for optical communications

The role

You will be responsible to

• ensure that we understand the needs of our (future) customers and that our technology developments lead to viable commercial products.
• develop business cases and contribute to the definition of the strategy.
• establish, build and maintain a network with all relevant stakeholders (customers, technology partners, supply chain, agencies, etc.).
• Create and maintain roadmaps to position Airbus Netherlands as a future supplier of lasersatcom systems.
• Securing relevant R&D funds and developing leads from the market and generate high quality bids, leading the process up to contract signature.
• Responsible for the required marketing and PR efforts including Website content, conference attendance and promotion material.

What you bring

• A university education, preferably technical.
• At least five years of working experience in a Sales/Business Development position.
• A strong technical affinity and/or background with lasersatcom technology is essential. Any other (formal) qualifications are a plus.
• You are results-driven, pragmatic and proactive and you have the ability to “open doors”.
• You have strong communication and negotiation skills with a great commercial awareness.
• You are a strategic thinker and capable of navigating through challenging political environments.
• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written.

We are open to consider candidates with a focus on either of the following profiles/background (or a combination of both):

• Familiar with the aviation industry. Familiar with the relation between satellite communication services, aircraft manufacturing, operators/airlines and military use.
• Knowledgeable in the space industry with focus on satellite/ground communications, related markets and their various types and levels of customer-supplier relationships.

Our offer and your application

We offer a challenging job in a dynamic and international working environment, with extensive opportunities for personal development and attractive working conditions (like competitive salary, 40 days off per year and flexible working).

For further details about this job opening, please contact Frank Meiboom (Director Sales, Strategy and Business Development) at f.meiboom@airbusDS.nl.

Are you ready for this challenge? Upload your application letter and CV via our online application application form.

Screening is part of the hiring process.

NB: agency calls are not appreciated.

Key words

Laser Satellite Communication, Optical satellite communications, Sales & Business Development, communications, space, satellites, aircraft, defence/security.