We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results

Senior Manager, Space Initiatives

DRS Global
United States, Virginia, Reston
11790 Sunrise Valley Drive (Show on map)
Jun 02, 2025

SES Space & Defense is a trusted partner ensuring mission success for our customers by blanketing the globe with multi orbit end to end satellite and technology solutions which provide reliable, secure, and high bandwidth connectivity. We strive to be the only solution when success is critical, and we will take care of our employees because we recognize they are our competitive advantage.The SES S&D Team, along with our customers and partners, will achieve success through integrity, honor, and commitment.

Senior Manager, Space Initiatives

Hybrid from Reston, VA

POSITION SUMMARY

As a key strategic leader, this role is at the forefront of shaping SES Space & Defense's position-and that of SES globally-as a trailblazer in the sovereign space market. You will spearhead cutting-edge business development initiatives, driving the deployment of global medium earth orbit (MEO) capabilities and pioneering hybrid, multi-band/multi-orbit satellite architectures tailored for the U.S. and allied governments.

Your mission includes advancing next-generation services such as space-based data relay, hosted payloads, sensor-as-a-service, and satellite-as-a-service solutions. You'll serve as a vital bridge between SES Space & Defense and SES's broader strategic growth efforts, representing the company in high-level customer and industry engagements.

Internally, you'll collaborate closely with the space initiatives team to lead a range of initiatives-from organic fleet development and strategic third-party partnerships to M&A opportunities and integration with flagship programs like O3b mPOWER, MEO Pole-to-Pole, and SESNext.

Additionally, you'll play a critical role in SES SD's market diversity strategy, providing market insights, business case modeling, and strategic evaluation tools to guide decision-making and ensure mission success.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES



  • Positions SES Space & Defense and SES as a leader in the Sovereign Space market
  • Leads next-generation business development programs, to include the deployment of global Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) capabilities, hybrid multi-band/multi-orbit satellite architectures for US and other Governments, space data relay services, and hosted payloads, sensor-as-a-service, and satellite-as-a-service initiatives
  • Works with US Government customers to gather innovative COMSATCOM product and service requirements, leads internal efforts to study/demonstrate new concepts, and as appropriate, inserts concepts into SES SD product development for further development to expand addressable markets
  • Develops and maintains relationships with governmental organizations, competitors, satellite operators and, where appropriate, vendors with a view to potential market development opportunities
  • Works with SES Fleet Development and Technology teams to study and propose the implementation of new fleet technologies, security features, and network Information Assurance attributes for Government customers to expand the SES SD addressable market
  • Performs US Government market analyses to include mid, and long-term forecasts for SATCOM bandwidth supply, demand, and technology trends and regularly interfaces with SES Fleet Development team to provide SES SD strategic requirements for USG customers and to assess fleet planning impact on future SES SD revenue and growth Coordinates with BD/Sales, Asset Management, and SES to define and assess strategic capacity/capability gaps, and develop options to fill those gaps (on fleet, off fleet strategic deals, on-orbit purchase, etc)
  • Develops SES SD unique strategies, initiatives, and investment options (e.g., fleet, product/service, and infrastructure) in support of the strategic goals and financial objectives of SES SD and SES
  • Identifies, qualifies, and develops mid- to long-term hosted payload, sensor-as-a- service, space relay, satellite-as-a-service, and other space-segment related development opportunities; coordinates requirements/needs with industry mission partners, the USG, and Allied customers; and engages in shaping activities with key government and industry stakeholders
  • Develop project plans and manages cross-functional teams for hosted payload and similar programs during the pre-operational phase
  • Interfaces with SES Spectrum and Regulatory teams to maintain situational awareness on issues on coordination agreements, landing rights, and spectrum encroachment and coordinates internally for impacts and mitigation activities; provides SES Spectrum team with USG current and projected spectrum requirements in support of global operations
  • Works interactively with the senior staff to identify, qualify, and execute on large strategic opportunities (e.g., alliances, joint ventures, merger/acquisitions) and provides support for activities that generate or improve revenues from SES assets
  • Other duties as assigned



REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS



  • Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Sales, or Communications
  • 10+ years professional experience in satellite or telecommunications industry
  • US citizenship (mandatory) with the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Advanced knowledge of applications of commercial satellites to meet US Government requirements, to include space data relay services, and hosted payloads, sensor-as-a- service, and satellite-as-a-service programs
  • Experience working with US Government customers and acquisition processes
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in sales/marketing management, business development and implementation of organizational growth strategies
  • Basic understanding of, and experience in DoD planning, programming, budgeting, and execution processes; DoD 5000 acquisition processes; and Other Transaction Authority procurements
  • Understanding of DoD, Intelligence Community, and US Space Force Commercial Integration strategies and other demand signals for commercial space capabilities to be integrated as a part of government hybrid space architectures
  • Ability to interface effectively and develop business opportunities for US Allies, Coalition Partners, and other Government partners
  • Knowledge of satellite industry trends, innovations, major business, and architectural initiatives
  • Expert knowledge of managed services, architectures, and financial structures with the satellite industry
  • Ability to anticipate customer needs, satellite operational issues, assess implications, determine impact, and develop and implement an appropriate action plan
  • Strong ability to drive revenue growth and cost control initiatives
  • Outstanding organizational, problem solving, interpersonal, and verbal and written communications skills
  • Strong working knowledge of financial systems, statements, reports, and business case analyses
  • Detailed knowledge and understanding of customer needs, market trends and SES SD's competitive positioning communicating that knowledge effectively to the senior leadership
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret government contracts, and understand customer requirements
  • Strong understanding of Capture Management processes to pursue and win US Government opportunities
  • Ability to travel globally to meet customers and other team members
  • Ability to identify, qualify, and develop Business Development opportunities
  • Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management tools and processes
  • Familiarity with US Government Information Assurance standards and practices
  • Ability to create and execute business plans
  • Possess extensive contacts within commercial and US Government sectors


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS



  • Familiarity with SharePoint and SalesForce
  • PMP Certification
  • Shipley trained


The starting base salary range for this full-time position is $155,000.00 - $175,000.00 + bonus + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

SES Space & 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, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. #LI-Hybrid #LI-DR1

Applied = 0

(web-696f97f645-sxsds)