VP of Business Development

Loft Orbital Solutions; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic VP of Business Development to spearhead growth in the satellite manufacturing sector. This leadership role involves building a strong sales pipeline, engaging with government and defense clients, and ensuring strategic alignment with market needs. The ideal candidate will leverage an extensive network to drive sales and foster relationships across the MENA region. Join a pioneering firm dedicated to simplifying space operations and making a significant impact in the satellite industry. If you're ready for a fast-paced environment and possess a solutions-oriented mindset, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in sales, particularly in complex hardware.
• Strong network in government and defense sectors in the MENA region.

Responsibilities

• Lead generation and qualification of new business opportunities.
• Develop tailored proposals and manage customer relationships.
• Negotiate contracts and support product development.

Skills

Sales Strategy

Government Engagement

Leadership

Market Expertise

Customer Relationship Management

Proposal Development

Contract Negotiation

Solutions-oriented Mindset

Job description

Wanna join the adventure?

Orbitworks is taking on an exciting new venture, building the first commercial satellite production facility in the Middle East. We are looking for an experienced executive to come onboard as our VP of Business Development, leading the team, whilst building a strong sales pipeline. There will be an initial focus on the government and defence sectors locally, but we also looking to develop into commercial sectors on a global scale.

This leadership role demands a blend of strategic vision, customer engagement, and market expertise to ensure Orbitworks meets its ambitious goals. You’ll take a hands-on approach to leading our Business Development & Sales team, with 2 direct reports, so having existing leadership experience is essential.

With your extensive network you’ll hit the ground running, opening doors and closing deals with governments, MoDs and defence contractors across the Middle East region, including in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE to name a few. You’ll play a pivotal role in positioning Orbitworks as a leader in satellite manufacturing and operations in the UAE and beyond.

About This Role:

• Lead Generation: Identify, classify, and qualify new opportunities, both from inbound inquiries and outbound prospecting.
• Sales: Connect with prospective and existing customers to provide information about Orbitworks’ satellite manufacturing and operational services, understand their objectives, and evaluate how we can support them.
• Proposal Development: Formulate tailored proposals for customers, clearly articulating Orbitworks’ value proposition.
• Contracting: Once a proposal is accepted, draft and negotiate contracts, ensuring alignment with both customer needs and Orbitworks’ objectives.
• Account Management: Maintain strong relationships with customers throughout program lifecycles, offering support to ensure mission success and uncovering new business opportunities.
• Product Development Support: Provide market insights and feedback to inform the development of future capabilities, products, and services that address customer needs.

Must Haves:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience selling complex hardware in the MENA region.
• Extensive network within, and strong track record selling into the government and defence sectors in the Middle East.
• Understanding of government and defence sector procurement processes.
• Leadership experience, running a sales / BD team.
• Start-up mentality, fast paced execution.
• A solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for turning customer needs into actionable opportunities.
• Understanding of the space industry.

Nice to Haves:

• Senior leadership role in UAE government agencies or MENA satellite industry.
• Management experience, including in a lean sales environment.
• Experience selling within the space, satellite services or geospatial analytics markets.
• Familiarity with government contracting or public-private partnership models.

Orbitworks' mission is to make space simple for organizations that want to deploy physical and virtual missions to space. Building on Loft Orbital's heritage, Orbitworks will be the first commercial firm in the United Arab Emirates to mass-manufacture satellites. Orbitworks aims to manufacture tens of satellites annually and operates out of a 50,000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi.