Business Development & Project Manager at ispace, inc. – Tokyo

Business Development & Project Manager

ispace, inc. is looking for BD and project manager, who will be responsible for driving strategic business development initiatives and managing end-to-end project execution in the space sector. This role involves high-level client engagement, proposal development, contract negotiation, and coordination with internal stakeholders across global offices.
Key responsibilities

• 1.Strategic Sales & Client Proposals
• Develop and execute sales strategies for both new and existing clients, based on insights into national space policies and clients mid-term business plans. Deliver high-impact proposals tailored to strategic objectives.
• 2.Bid Management
• Lead the preparation and submission of bid documents, including project management of internal resources. Conduct competitive analysis, pricing strategy, and proposal narrative development. Manage internal approval processes for bid submissions.
• 3.Contract Negotiation
• Negotiate contract terms and conditions with clients, ensuring alignment with company policies and risk management standards.
• 4.Project Execution & Client Interface
• Oversee project delivery for awarded contracts, including milestone tracking and client communications. Manage cross-functional coordination to ensure successful execution.
• 5.New Client Acquisition & Marketing
• Represent the company at domestic and international conferences and exhibitions. Conduct networking and presentations to generate qualified leads. Support broader marketing initiatives to expand market presence.

• (*) Work closely with internal teams including engineering, legal, and finance across global offices to ensure alignment and support for all business development and project activities to effectively execute all the above responsibilities

Basic qualifications

• Minimum 58 years of experience in the space/deep tech/defense industry, ideally in roles involving business development, sales engineering, or program management.
• Bachelors or Masters degree in Engineering (e.g., Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) or a related technical field.
• Solid understanding of space systems, cislunar, payload services, or mission operations.
• Ability to interface effectively with engineering teams and translate technical concepts into business proposals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Japanese and English.
• Confident presenter with experience representing organizations at industry conferences, exhibitions, and client meetings.
• Ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with government and industry stakeholders.

Preferred qualifications

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Experience with CRM tools, proposal software, and project management platforms is a plus.