Satellite Services Director

Surrey Satellite Technology; Guildford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering space company in Guildford seeks an Executive Director for their Satellite Services division. This role requires proven leadership experience and a strong background in managing complex satellite services to ensure customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree, excellent communication skills, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. Join a dynamic team that has been innovating in the aerospace sector for over 40 years.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in delivering complex services, ideally in satellite or aerospace industry.
• Leadership and management experience at an executive level.
• Results-oriented with a drive to deliver.

Responsibilities

• Deliver all contractual and internal satellite service commitments on time.
• Actively manage and contribute to the strategy of the business.
• Develop and implement an ITIL-based service aligned with customer requirements.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Microsoft Project

Job description

This is an exciting chance to work in a pioneering space company shaping and delivering SSTL’s satellite service work. Reporting to the Managing Director, this role is an opportunity to join SSTL’s Executive team with responsibility for leadership and direction of the Satellite Services division at SSTL, ensuring successful delivery of all contractual service commitments, present and future.

SSTL operates a number of satellites, with Service-Level Agreements that dictate what those satellites need to do to enable our customers to meet their objectives. This role is responsible for all operations activities with those satellites.

About SSTL:

Considered the pioneers of the small satellite market, and with a heritage that spans over 40 years, SSTL prides itself in continual innovation and improvement of space technologies, products, and services, as well as in delivering space missions for a broad array of applications, like high-resolution Earth Imaging, communications (including from the moon), science and navigation. Since 1981, SSTL has built and launched 74 satellites, including 7 constellations, and has 10+ further satellites and payloads under contract. From the earliest study activities to the subsystem manufacturing, to the assembly and test, to in-orbit operations and service provision, the whole spacecraft lifecycle is managed from SSTL’s Guildford headquarters.

Key Tasks:

• Deliver all our contractual and internal satellite service commitments on time, to a level of quality expected by the customer (external and internal) and within the cost estimate established during the proposal phase.
• As a member of the Executive Team, actively contribute to the day-to-day management and strategy of the business.
• Develop and implement an ITIL-based service that is responsive and understanding of Customer requirements, ensuring that the customer’s satellites are safely operated and available to use in line with their commitments.
• Develop and continuously improve the Service Delivery division and service processes to align with changing business requirements and contracts.
• Lead and direct the supporting technical functions (e.g., Spacecraft operations, Ground segment hardware) whose activities and products are directly used by the customer.
• Develop customer and stakeholder relationships to act as a point of escalation for service delivery managers as required, particularly to assist with the resolution of customer issues.
• Drive service delivery, ensuring each service team and the supporting technical functions are appropriately sized and capable to address key risks.
• Ensure appropriate reporting across all service activities to highlight achievements, report financials and risks, and escalate issues outside the control of the service team.
• Seek opportunities within each service project to increase revenue and manage the implementation and approval of subsequent CCNs.
• Empower Service Delivery Teams by ensuring accountability and clear targets.
• Develop and implement a Satellite Service Roadmap to keep our service delivery relevant to future customer needs.
• Strengthen Service Delivery Teams through development opportunities to improve decision-making and communication.
• Drive the quality of planning across all service activities for accurate financial forecasting and headcount assessment.
• Maintain close relationships with customer account managers within the BDS team and with Engineering, Production, and Projects teams to align service requirements and support project needs.
• Work with the Chief Engineering to ensure all technical work aligns with company practices.
• Manage line management activities including recruitment, performance, development, mentoring, and wellbeing of direct reports.

Previous Experience:

• Proven experience in delivering complex services, ideally in satellite or aerospace industry.
• Experience in strategic planning and interfacing with customers.
• Leadership and management experience at an executive level.
• Experience in service delivery across the entire lifecycle.
• Experience implementing contracts.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills:

• A relevant degree or equivalent.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and proactive.
• Good team working and customer-facing skills.
• Results-oriented with a drive to deliver.
• Adaptable to changing priorities.
• Strong planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial acumen and understanding of contracts and product assurance.
• Ability to multitask and deliver under pressure.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Microsoft Project.
• Ability to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviors, including accountability, drive & delivery, effective communication, self-management, and teamwork.