About the Role
A seed-stage deeptech startup operating at the intersection of AI, robotics, and advanced materials discovery — focused on accelerating climate-critical R&D — is hiring a Business Development Manager to translate scientific capability into commercial impact. You'll own customer relationships, drive sales strategy, and coordinate cross-functional delivery, working closely with senior commercial and technical leadership to operationalize growth and scale repeatable processes.
This is a high-ownership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced, science-driven environments and is genuinely excited about climate technology.
What You'll Do
- Bridge science and market needs to deliver scalable commercial impact in the climate tech sector.
- Collaborate with the VP of Commercial and executive leadership to operationalize commercial efforts and scale BD workflows.
- Act as the primary connection between customers and internal teams — developing projects from initial scope through to signed agreement.
- Drive strategic sales efforts by researching and developing key commercial opportunities and managing pipeline movement.
- Maintain a high-quality CRM with relevant reporting; build and refine BD templates and documentation for repeatable success.
- Identify customer needs, qualify leads, and coordinate lead qualification processes.
- Own post-deal activities, supporting onboarding and early-stage execution of partnerships.
- Serve as the main point of contact to manage and strengthen ongoing client relationships.
- Coordinate with technical and operations teams to ensure aligned, timely delivery on partner commitments.
- Spot upsell and expansion opportunities within existing accounts and new contacts.
- Represent the company at international exhibitions, trade fairs, and conferences — including techno-commercial presentations.
What We're Looking For
Required:
- 1–7 years of experience in business development, sales, account management, or technical sales operations.
- Demonstrated ability to own post-deal onboarding and early-stage execution of partnerships.
- Willingness and availability to represent the company at international exhibitions, fairs, and conferences.
- Based in Berlin, Germany, or willing to relocate.
- Fluency in both English and German.
Preferred:
- 3–5 years of experience in international business development, account management, or technical sales, ideally in deep tech, advanced materials, or climate-related sectors.
- Graduate-level education (MSc or PhD) in materials science, chemistry, physics, or chemical engineering.
- Proven sales track record and commercial success in a B2B or technical sales environment.
- Experience working across technical and commercial teams and coordinating complex projects.
- Familiarity with CRM tools and basic sales tracking/reporting workflows.
- Additional European languages beyond English and German are a plus.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Genuine interest in climate technology and science-driven innovation.
Location & Work Arrangement
This is a full-time, on-site role based in Berlin, Germany. Frequent international travel is expected as part of the role. Visa sponsorship is not available — candidates must have existing authorization to work in Germany.
Why This Role
- Join a well-backed early-stage company (Series A/B equivalent funding) with serious scientific credibility and a compelling climate mission.
- Work directly with senior leadership in a high-impact, high-visibility commercial role.
- Help build the commercial function from the ground up — shaping processes, playbooks, and culture.
- Be part of a multidisciplinary team that bridges cutting-edge research and real-world industry deployment.