Job Description

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a public entity under the National Department of Science and Innovation.SANSA has the mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology, advances earth observation programme and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy. More information about the organization can be found at http://www.sansa.org.za.SANSA thrives on our employees creativity, competencies, and expertise, and on their ingenuity to succeed in a high-performing environment. If you aspire to the SANSA values of Customer-Centric, Collaboration and Teamwork, Innovation and Solutions Driven, Responsiveness to Opportunities, Having Fun Together, and living these in a fast-paced and innovative environment, then SANSA could be the place for you.The following opportunities exist in SANSA, to be filled by individuals with the relevant skills, drive, competencies, and qualifications.Enterprise Business Development ManagerLocation: PretoriaProgramme: AdministrationContract type: PermanentReporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will lead the growth in relevancy and financial sustainability of SANSA by identifying and creating business opportunities for SANSA. The focus will be on business development and investment; industry transformation and sustainability; industrial development space flagship programmes; space capability development and space human capital development.Additional responsibilities will on strategically be planning, market analysis, client and stakeholder management, and the implementation of sector-specific initiatives to enhance SANSAs market position and achieve business objectives. The role will define commercialisation priorities in alignment with the SANSA vision, strategy and relevant market needs, collecting market and business intelligence to ensure all SANSA programmes and projects are relevant to the user environment, and for transferring SANSA technologies to the market.The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:

• Honours degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics etc.), Space Science and Technology, or a related field.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MBL, Masters in Engineering) preferred.
• At least 5-10 years in a Senior Business Development, Marketing or Sales role within the space, engineering and technology innovation industries or related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, strategic planning, investment and growth strategy development, and project management with a strong scientific and engineering background.
• Proven track record of achieving business growth and development targets.

Key performance areas will include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute growth strategic plans to drive SANSAs business growth and financial sustainability.
• Conduct market analysis to identify industry trends, competitive landscape, and customer needs.
• Lead client and stakeholder engagements, including industry partners, government bodies, and investors.
• Identify and pursue new business and sector development opportunities.
• Oversee mergers, acquisitions, and capital projects, conducting feasibility assessments and investment evaluations.
• Foster innovation and technology development through collaborations with research institutions and technology firms.
• Establish partnerships and collaborations to drive industry transformation and investment.
• Manage marketing and public relations to enhance SANSAs visibility in the space sector.
• Oversee financial management, ensuring effective budgeting, cost efficiency, and revenue generation.

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency in market research, data analysis, and project management.
• Ability to drive long-term engineering and innovation initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of space industry trends, technologies, and regulatory environments.

Background verification, including criminal record, credit checks, security clearances, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, may form part of the selection process. By applying for these vacancies, the candidates consent that SANSA can collect, process, and share their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessments, and employment purposes only.SANSA subscribes to the principles of the Employment Equity Act. As per the Employment Equity Plan of SANSA and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups (African males and females, Coloured females, and People with disabilities).Should you meet the above requirements, please upload your detailed CV, and apply on: Current Opportunities (mcidirecthire.com)Communication will only be conducted with short-listed candidates. If applicants have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, regard your application as unsuccessful. SANSA reserves the right not to make an appointment.Closing Date: 12 June 2025.