Director, Business Development - Germany

About the Role

Loft is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as the first Business Development Director based in Germany. This pivotal role is central to our European growth strategy, focusing on customer acquisition and forging strategic partnerships within the German space and defense ecosystem. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the German market and a passion for innovative space infrastructure solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and expand a robust customer pipeline across German government (civil and defense) and commercial sectors.
• Foster enduring relationships with key stakeholders, including DLR, BAAINBw, Bundeswehr, major primes (e.g., Airbus, OHB, HENSOLDT), and emerging tech startups.
• Identify and negotiate strategic partnerships to expedite the delivery of Loft's space infrastructure-as-a-service.
• Contribute to shaping the Go-to-Market strategy, adapting Loft's value proposition for the German market in collaboration with the EMEA Business Development team.
• Influence the product roadmap by working closely with technical and product teams to integrate customer requirements.
• Represent Loft at German and European space industry events, enhancing our brand presence.

Qualifications

Must Haves:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in sales, business development, or strategic partnerships within the commercial space, aerospace, or defense industries.
• Proven track record of new business acquisition in the German space and defense sectors, with a strong understanding of procurement processes and key players.
• Experience selling complex technical solutions, preferably in space, aerospace, or defense.
• Familiarity with the operational frameworks of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission (EC).
• Experience in leading or contributing to Request for Proposal (RFP) responses.
• Excellent professional communication skills.
• Fluency in both German and English (spoken and written) is mandatory.
• A genuine passion for the space industry and enthusiasm for a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Nice to Haves:

• Proficiency in French and/or other European languages.
• Experience in securing proposals for spacecraft development programs.

Benefits

• Equity: An opportunity to have an active stake in our success.
• Paid Time Off: Up to 35 days of PTO (including vacations & RTT) coupled with flexible working hours.
• Insurance: Comprehensive health and life insurance coverage.
• Lunch Vouchers: A perk to enjoy your meals.
• Travel Opportunities: Cross-office travel between San Francisco, Colorado, and Toulouse.
• Events: Company and team off-sites for collaboration and celebration.
• Relocation Assistance: Support for relocation to Toulouse, where applicable.

Loft encourages applications from all qualified individuals, even if you don't meet every single qualification. We value diverse perspectives and believe in challenging assumptions.

About Loft

Loft simplifies space by providing governments, companies, and research institutions with a rapid, reliable, and adaptable solution for deploying missions in orbit. We offer end-to-end, integrated mission services, including launch and operations, across various domains such as Earth observation, IoT connectivity, and national security. By utilizing our existing space infrastructure and a wide array of satellite buses, Loft significantly reduces deployment timelines from years to months. With over 25 successful missions, our proven flight heritage allows clients to concentrate on their core mission objectives.

At Loft, you will find an environment that fosters autonomy and ownership in tackling significant challenges, supported by a collaborative and close-knit team. We champion diversity and community as cornerstones of an open culture, committed to hiring the best talent irrespective of background and ensuring a fulfilling career experience. We seek kind, supportive, team-oriented individuals who are adept problem-solvers and effective communicators. Strong English skills are essential for seamless collaboration in our international setting.

With 4 satellites currently in orbit and numerous missions slated for launch, we are rapidly expanding across our offices in San Francisco, CA; Golden, CO; and Toulouse, France.

Please submit your resume in English, as it will be reviewed by our international team.