Capture Manager

Kepler is on a Mission to build the internet for space. Incorporated in 2015 Kepler’s guiding star is to enable the space economy through the creation of a communication network in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that will provide connectivity services to other space missions be they on orbit in LEO MEO GEO or beyond.  With an expanding base of early customers and our first 23 satellites in orbit Kepler is continuing to grow and expand its most important asset – the Team! Based out of our HQ in Toronto and with offices in the UK Germany a newly formed office in the US we are building towards a truly global company delivering a service for the whole world expanding our international footprint.

We invest heavily to deliver the best services to our customers and so we’re on the hunt for top-tier candidates. Our new Europe-based Capture Manager will report directly to the Kepler Communications Director of Global Business Development and be pivotal in growing Kepler’s EMEA business commercially and governmentally shaping and providing business support for European Space Agency Programs and country-specific governments.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated business development experience in EMEA with a strong track record in winning new business through the competitive bid process. The ability to partner effectively with both external and internal resources will be critical in this position. The role will have the responsibility for spearheading Kepler’s capture efforts from strategy development to proposal submission ensuring alignment with Kepler’s vision of creating a communication network in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Responsibilities:

• Lead the proposal process ensuring timely and high-quality submissions. Work with technical writers to create bid and proposal teams with a rapid response cycle to RFPs.

• Lead the bid-no-bid process and development of the RFP reply for both solicited and unsolicited proposals.

• Manage new business acquisition processes from the first point of contact to developing a solution and bidding the program.

• Maintain an accurate sales forecast and sales pipeline across all areas of the sales organization.

• Participate in trade shows and conferences to understand upcoming RFPs and influence new RFIs.

• Establish relationships with industry and government entities.

• Develop marketing and sales materials for new technical concepts and solutions including customer presentations and proposals.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal teams that will be instrumental in supporting bids.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of directly related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or scientific field.

• Experience working with commercial Space customers and government Space agencies (ESA CSA EDF EC etc.).

• Knowledge of small satellite systems RF and Optical communications.

• Strong ability to convey technical topics in easy-to-understand business terms and work collaboratively with internal cross-functional teams and external partners.

• Ability to present a strategic opportunity or business case to executive leadership with credibility.

• Experience seeing a company bring a product to market for the first time.

• Ability to travel regularly to be in direct contact with relevant stakeholders.