Vice President of Sales, Lausanne

Vice President, Sovereign Affairs European Spacecraft Manufacturer

An emerging European spacecraft manufacturer developing next-generation sovereign space capabilities is seeking a Vice President of Sovereign Affairs to lead institutional engagement and strategic growth across Europe and allied markets.

Backed by significant recent funding, the company is building advanced orbital systems tailored to governmental, defence, and institutional customers. This role will play a critical part in establishing the company’s position within the sovereign space ecosystem while driving early commercial traction and long-term strategic programs.

The Role The successful candidate will lead engagement with ministries, defence organisations, space agencies, and prime contractors, with responsibility for securing early-stage contracts, shaping mission opportunities, and positioning the business within national and international procurement ecosystems.

This is a highly strategic and commercially focused leadership role requiring deep sector credibility, institutional relationships, and the ability to navigate long and complex sales cycles.

Key Responsibilities

Build and manage relationships across governmental, defence, and institutional space stakeholders

Develop engagement strategies with ministries, agencies, and major aerospace&defence primes

Identify and pursue strategic opportunities including public tenders, pilot programs, MoUs, and long-term mission partnerships

Own the full commercial lifecycle from opportunity identification through to negotiation and contract award

Collaborate with technical teams to shape mission concepts and align customer requirements with product development

Navigate complex procurement and regulatory environments including export control frameworks

Support the company’s long-term positioning within sovereign and institutional space programs

Requirements

10+ years’ experience within the space, aerospace, defence, or institutional sector

Strong understanding of governmental procurement and contracting processes

Background within a major aerospace or defence organisation, prime contractor, or equivalent environment

Technical understanding of spacecraft systems, orbital operations, or mission architectures

Proven track record securing and managing large-scale strategic contracts

Ability to engage effectively across both technical and executive stakeholders

Existing network within institutional, governmental, or sovereign space ecosystems

Familiarity with export control and regulatory environments

Ideal Profile

Strong commercial instincts combined with institutional credibility

Comfortable operating in early-stage, high-growth environments

Able to build structure, momentum, and strategic partnerships in evolving markets

Experienced managing long sales cycles with multiple stakeholders

Capable of translating early discussions into scalable long-term programs

This is a rare opportunity to join a rapidly scaling spacecraft manufacturer at a pivotal stage of growth and help shape the future of sovereign space capability in Europe.

Thanks, Matt Tovey - Sr Principal.

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