Sales Manager (NewSpace)

Darwin Recruitment are currently hiring for a Sales Manager on behalf of a company in Italy for the largest privately-owned space company in the country, specializing in the development of small satellites, advanced propulsion systems, and onboard avionics. With over 350 employees, the company offers turnkey solutions for Earth observation, telecommunications, and scientific missions. The company's vertically integrated operations encompass the design, development, and production of small satellites ranging from 50 to 500 kg, electric propulsion systems, Earth observation instruments, and avionics. The company has participated in various space missions, including NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, which deployed the Curiosity rover on Mars.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the CEO or the Commercial Director, the Sales Manager will own the end-to-end sales cycle—identifying, negotiating, and closing satellite mission opportunities with operators, payload providers, and other space sector customers. You will leverage 5–10 years of sales experience in both traditional (“OldSpace”) and emerging (“NewSpace”) markets to expand Sitael’s footprint across Europe and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

1. Opportunity Generation:
   1. Prospect and qualify leads in satellite operators, payload integrators, government agencies, and commercial NewSpace ventures.
   2. Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline for satellite platforms, payload buses, and mission services.
2. Full Cycle Sales Execution:
   1. Lead customer engagements from initial discovery through requirements definition, proposal development, contract negotiation, and closure.
   2. Articulate Sitael’s technical and commercial value proposition across diverse mission profiles (LEO, MEO, GEO, and deep space).
3. Stakeholder Management:
   1. Collaborate closely with engineering, program management, finance, and legal teams to structure winning bids.
   2. Build and nurture long-term relationships with customers, partners, and system integrators.
4. Market & Competitive Intelligence:
   1. Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies in both OldSpace and NewSpace segments.
   2. Identify gaps and recommend new commercial offerings or service enhancements.
5. Performance & Reporting:
   1. Meet or exceed annual sales targets and KPIs.
   2. Provide regular sales forecasts, market analyses, and strategic recommendations to the CEO and Commercial Director.

Qualifications & Experience

1. 5–10 years of proven B2B sales experience in the space sector (satellite manufacturing, launch services, mission operations, or related).
2. Demonstrated track record across both traditional aerospace (“OldSpace”) and emerging NewSpace business models.
3. Strong network within European satellite operators, payload providers, prime contractors, and/or space agencies.
4. Excellent negotiation, presentation, and relationship building skills.
5. Commercially savvy with the ability to translate complex technical solutions into clear ROI driven proposals.
6. Fluent in English.
7. Willingness to travel (up to 30% of time) across Europe and key global markets.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.