Viasat, Inc.
Programme Manager, Institutional and Sovereign Initiatives
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About us
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
What you'll do
Viasat is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead the delivery of complex space programmes while playing a pivotal role in shaping and winning future opportunities across a broad portfolio. While the role includes leadership of European Space Agency (ESA) programmes such as ELEOSYS a Low Earth Orbit 5G system initiatives for the Direct to Device market, it extends beyond this scope. You will work closely with the Technology Investments & Partnerships team to drive proposal development across a wider range of strategic opportunities, spanning institutional, commercial, and sovereign domains. This is a high-impact, customer-facing role combining programme delivery excellence with forward-looking bid leadership.
The day-to-day
Programme Delivery & Governance Lead end-to-end delivery of complex space and satellite programmes (including ESA-funded initiatives), ensuring performance against cost, schedule, and technical objectives. The majority of your effort will be focused on Viasat-led Public-Private Partnership activities with ESA in the context of the development of a European LEO Systems, ELEOSYS. Own the planning and execution of complex, cross‑functional programs from initiation to delivery Define program scope, objectives, schedules, and success metrics in alignment with business goals Coordinate and drive execution across engineering, legal, product, finance, and other stakeholders Manage timelines, budgets, risks, dependencies, and resource allocation Proactively identify issues, assess impact, and lead mitigation and escalation as needed Track progress against milestones and KPIs, ensuring transparent and accurate reporting to leadership Facilitate program reviews, decision forums, and stakeholder communications Ensure alignment between program deliverables and corporate strategic priorities Drive continuous improvement of processes, tools, and execution practices Identify and shape follow-on phases for the programme Act as a senior interface with customers (including ESA and other institutional stakeholders) for contract negotiations, programme execution, reviews, and reporting Establish robust programme governance, including risk and issue management frameworks Strategic Bids & Proposal Leadership Lead or contribute to high-value proposals across a diverse portfolio, including but not limited to ESA opportunities Support the Technology Investments & Partnerships team in structuring, shaping, and positioning strategic bids Contribute to sovereign bid strategy, consortium building, and value proposition development across multiple domains Consortium, Partner & Stakeholder Management Manage complex industrial ecosystems, including multi-country consortia, subcontractors, and partners Drive alignment, performance, and accountability across stakeholders Navigate and resolve cross-organisational challenges to maintain programme momentum and on Supplier Oversight Oversee key suppliers and vendors, ensuring delivery quality and adherence to timelines Implement best-in-class supplier management practices
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What you'll need
7+ years industry experience with minimum 5 in programme or project management for technology driven systems Strong track record delivering complex institutional or multi-partner programmes (European Space Agency experience highly desirable but not exclusive) Proven experience in proposal development and bid leadership across institutional and/or commercial opportunities Demonstrated ability to manage multi-stakeholder environments across geographies Good understanding of satellite systems, technology, with exposure to 5G and Low Earth Orbit system is an advantage Masterful written, presentation and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to deliver concise, compelling explanations of complex business and engineering concepts to senior stakeholders. A self-starter mentality with a strong sense of accountability, high attention to detail, and a bias for action—identifying and executing what needs to be done independently. Relationships with ESA and/ or ESA member state, or institutions worldwide desirable Experience working in a global environment Proven proficiency in organizational agility and cross-team collaboration. Ability to build leadership confidence in program development plans and influence/align stakeholders across all levels of the enterprise. Ability to work independently. Demonstrated aptitude to be a team player, supportive of colleagues Travel: Ability to travel up to 25%
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What will help you on the job
Customer-facing and credible: able to engage confidently with institutional and commercial stakeholders Highly organised and structured: capable of managing complexity across both delivery and bid environments Influential and collaborative: able to align diverse teams without direct authority Pragmatic and solutions-oriented: comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving outcomes Strategic mindset: balances delivery excellence with shaping future opportunities
EEO Statement
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.
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