Business Development Manager

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.