Launch Services Contracts Manager

We are seeking a Launch Services Contracts Manager to own the launch services commodity end-to-end for Spire’s Global Supply Chain. This is a senior, specialist role with exclusive focus on sourcing & contracting launch services ranging from dedicated launches to rideshare capacity and including integration/aggregator services. Responsibilities include market intelligence and vendor sourcing through to commercial framework design, negotiation, contract execution and ongoing supplier performance management.
Launch is one of Spire’s most strategically significant and commercially complex categories. Access to reliable, cost-effective and schedule-assured launch capacity directly determines constellation deployment and revenue realisation. The successful candidate will act as the single commercial authority for launch services, building the frameworks, benchmarks and supplier relationships that give Spire competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving global launch market.
Reporting to the Director of Global Supply Chain, this role operates as a senior individual contributor with full ownership of the launch services category and significant autonomy, influence and spend responsibility.
Role Responsibilities:
Launch Services Category Strategy & Market Intelligence
Own and develop the global launch services sourcing strategy for cube-sat and small satellite missions, aligned to constellation deployment plans and business growth objectives.
Conduct continuous market benchmarking and analysis across the global launch provider landscape – dedicated and rideshare payload options – tracking pricing, capacity, cadence, reliability and emerging entrants.
Build and maintain cost models, price benchmarks and total cost of ownership analysis covering launch services, integration, mission management, insurance and associated logistics.
Translate market data into actionable sourcing recommendations, advising senior leadership on launch capacity risk, pricing trends and long-term positioning.
Vendor Sourcing, Qualification & Onboarding
Identify, assess and qualify launch providers and integration partners globally, evaluating technical capability, manifest availability, launch heritage, reliability record and financial stability.
Lead competitive tendering activity – RFI, RFP and RFQ processes – through to award recommendation and business case approval.
Manage supplier onboarding end-to-end, including due diligence, compliance screening, trade and export control checks, and commercial set-up.
Develop a portfolio of qualified launch providers across multiple geographies and vehicle classes in line with business growth needs and secure a resilient launch capacity for Spire.
Commercial Frameworks & Negotiation
Design, develop and implement launch contract frameworks, templates and standard terms – including launch services agreements, rideshare and aggregator agreements, multi-launch and block-buy arrangements, and integration services contracts.
Lead all commercial negotiations with launch providers, securing advantageous pricing, payment milestones, schedule commitments, re-flight and re-launch provisions, liability and risk allocation, and termination protections.
Negotiate long-term agreements and framework contracts that secure preferential pricing, guaranteed capacity, launch slot options and schedule flexibility.
Ensure contracts are commercially sound, clearly scoped, technically accurate and aligned to programme requirements, w