Government Business Development Manager

surge aero GmbH is a Munich-based aerospace technology company developing high-performance propulsion systems and unmanned aerial platforms for the European market.

We combine advanced engineering with a fast-moving, entrepreneurial approach to develop technologies for the next generation of unmanned and aerospace applications.

As we expand our activities in Germany, we are looking for an experienced Government Business Development Manager to build and develop our relationships and business opportunities with German government institutions and public-sector organisations.

Tasks

As Government Business Development Manager – Germany, you will be responsible for developing surge aero GmbH's government and public-sector business in Germany.

You will identify opportunities for our UAS platforms, propulsion systems and aerospace technologies, build relationships with relevant stakeholders, and develop opportunities from initial market engagement through demonstrations, partnerships, procurement processes and contract award.

You will work closely with our CEO, CTO, engineering and commercial teams to understand customer requirements, identify emerging opportunities and position surge aero GmbH's technologies effectively within the German market.

This is a highly autonomous role with significant ownership and the opportunity to build our government business activities in Germany from the ground up.

Government Business Development

• Develop and execute surge aero GmbH's German government business development strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant German government institutions and public-sector stakeholders.
• Identify emerging requirements, programmes, procurement initiatives and opportunities relevant to UAS and aerospace technologies.
• Monitor government procurement activity, market consultations, technology programmes and innovation initiatives.
• Develop and manage a qualified government opportunity pipeline.
• Represent surge aero GmbH at relevant aerospace, technology and government-industry events.
• Identify opportunities for demonstrations, trials, evaluations, partnerships and procurement programmes.
• Build relationships with potential industrial partners, system integrators, research organisations and technology partners.

UAS & Aerospace Market Development

• Develop market opportunities for surge aero GmbH's unmanned aerial systems and propulsion technologies.
• Understand customer requirements and translate them into clear technical and commercial opportunities.
• Identify applications for surge aero GmbH technology across areas including unmanned systems, surveillance, logistics, infrastructure, security and other relevant government applications.
• Support customer demonstrations, technical presentations and capability discussions.
• Work closely with engineering teams to communicate customer requirements and market feedback.

Opportunity & Procurement Management

• Understand German public-sector procurement processes and identify appropriate routes to market.
• Track relevant procurement notices, market consultations, innovation programmes and early-stage requirements.
• Coordinate internal responses to government enquiries, tenders and requests for information.
• Support proposals, commercial offers, presentations and tender documentation.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, opportunity stages and forecasts.
• Provide regular market intelligence and pipeline updates to senior management.

Strategic Partnerships

• Identify strategic partnerships that can accelerate surge aero GmbH's access to the German market.
• Develop relationships with aerospace companies, technology companies, research institutions and established industrial partners.
• Explore opportunities for joint demonstrations, technology programmes and consortium participation.
• Identify relevant German and European funding and innovation opportunities.

Requirements

Required

• Several years of experience in government business development, public-sector sales, aerospace, aviation, UAS or a related field.
• Strong understanding of the German government and public-sector environment.
• Existing professional network within the German government, aerospace or technology ecosystem is highly desirable.
• Experience managing complex, long-cycle business development opportunities.
• Strong commercial and strategic thinking.
• Ability to understand technical products and communicate complex technology clearly.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Fluent German and excellent English, written and spoken.
• Willingness to travel within Germany and internationally when required.

Strongly Preferred

• Previous experience working with German government institutions or public-sector organisations.
• Experience with UAS, drones, aerospace propulsion, aviation or related technologies.
• Understanding of German public procurement procedures.
• Experience with technology demonstrations, trials, R&D programmes or innovation initiatives.
• Existing relationships with aerospace companies, system integrators or relevant German organisations.
• Experience working in a fast-moving startup or scale-up environment.

What You'll Bring

• Government mindset: You understand how to build credible, long-term relationships with public-sector stakeholders.
• Commercial drive: You can turn market intelligence into qualified opportunities and ultimately business.
• Technical curiosity: You are comfortable discussing UAS, propulsion, aerospace systems and technical requirements.
• Strategic thinking: You can identify emerging opportunities and position surge aero GmbH early.
• Relationship builder: You are confident engaging with senior government, industrial and technical stakeholders.
• Ownership: You can build processes and a government BD pipeline from the ground up.
• Startup mentality: You are comfortable working independently, moving quickly and creating structure where needed.