Job Vacancy - Cluster Manager Space North East England
We are delighted to offer a rare and exciting opportunity for a Cluster Manager to join Business Durham, leading the Space North East England (SNEE) cluster and accelerating the growth of the region’s space and satellite applications sector.
Funded by the UK Space Agency, the cluster aims to stimulate and grow the space and satellite applications economy across the North East as part of a national network of regional space clusters. SNEE builds on the strong foundations established by the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, led by Business Durham on behalf of the Satellite Applications Catapult since 2014.
Following the award of UK Space Agency core funding through the Space Cluster Network Programme 2026-2030, SNEE is embarking on a new phase of activity to further develop the North East’s space ecosystem. This includes supply chain, workforce and skills development, business engagement, inward investment and new market identification, and raising the profile of the region’s space sector nationally and internationally.
The North East’s space sector is thriving, with more than 80 companies contributing £171m to the regional economy and employing around 1,340 people. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the next phase of growth in one of the region’s fastest-growing and most innovative sectors.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As Cluster Manager, you will lead the strategic direction of Space North East England, driving the growth of the region’s space capabilities by engaging closely with organisations across the ‘triple helix’ of industry, academia and government.
You will play a key role in shaping a strong, collaborative ecosystem that delivers real benefits for the North East. A core part of your mission will be to raise the region’s profile nationally and internationally, positioning it as a leading UK hub for space sector innovation and an attractive location for businesses to start, scale and succeed in this fast-growing market.
You will:
Provide strategic direction for the cluster and the affiliated North East Space Leadership Group.
Act as a brand ambassador and key point of contact for the regional cluster.
Build and maintain strong relationships with regional, national and international partners across the public and private sectors.
Identify and develop opportunities to grow the space sector capability and deliver impact for the North East region.
Manage the UK Space Agency’s Space Cluster Network Programme 2026-2030 core funding contract and lead the design, delivery and monitoring of associated workstreams.
Lead long-term strategic planning for the SNEE cluster, identifying future funding opportunities to help make the cluster sustainable and capable of meeting the development needs of the regional space sector.
We encourage you to contact Jon Brunton, Business Growth Director via email at jon.brunton@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
