Commercial Manager

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A Robotics, Satellite Systems and Geo intelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,400 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, visit www.mda.space.

We’re on the hunt for a Commercial Manager at our Harwell or Stevenage office.

MDA Space’s international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country. Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geo intelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team provides support to our European-based customers while specializing in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space-based communication technology. As our presence grows overseas, so does our need for new ambitious team players to help us advance our place in the Universe and beyond.

Responsibilities:

• Advise and provide guidance on commercial strategy to all key stakeholders
• Lead all aspects of commercial and contractual negotiations for MDA UK
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with current and prospective customers and subcontractors/suppliers
• Manage the commercial aspects of the proposal/project to enable it to be completed on time, within budget and to the correct standards
• Ensure suitable risk assessment for new activities ensuring compliance with regulations
• Liaising with colleagues and teams at all levels both internally and externally
• Maintaining and managing contractual records and correspondence

Suitable candidates will ideally have the following attributes:

Essential:

• A Bachelors degree in business administration/management or related field
• Proven experience (5+ years) in commercial, business development, or contract management roles—ideally within aerospace, defence, telecommunications, or other high-technology industries.
• Experience working with government and institutional customers (e.g., HMG. ESA, NASA, MOD, commercial satellite operators).
• Experience of negotiating contracts, MoU’s, NDA’s, TA’s, etc. in the defence/space arena
• Good general commercial knowledge, negotiations and communications skills
• Understanding engineering principles
• Attention to details

Desirable:

• Knowledge of space industry markets (satellite, launch, ground segment, or downstream services).
• Experience of negotiating contracts with:
• ESA GCC’s
• UK Gov contracts would also be beneficial, especially DEFCON’s and DEFSTAN’s

Personal Profile:

• Pragmatism: Able to find workable solutions that balance ambition with real-world constraints.
• Negotiation: Strong track record of structuring and closing complex contracts/agreements.
• Analytical: Skilled at evaluating commercial viability, risk, and financial models.
• Communication: Capable of engaging with technical experts, executives, and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Comfortable operating in an evolving, high-growth, and regulated industry.

We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA Space welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA Space’s leadership in this next golden age.

Comments/Special Considerations:

We are required to conduct a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening in which we will check your:

• Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status
• Identity: Full ID check
• Criminal records: Basic Disclosure
• Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity
• Reference checks

Benefits Statement:

MDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan; and an employee assistance program. We also have a Hybrid work model in place, for a better work/life balance. 

Equal Opportunity Statement:

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Accommodations

MDA Space is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process.  Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.