Business Development Manager

<h3>About the Role</h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">A seed-stage deeptech startup at the intersection of AI-driven material discovery and climate technology is looking for a <strong>Business Development Manager</strong> to translate cutting-edge scientific capability into real commercial impact. You will own customer relationships, drive sales strategy, and coordinate cross-functional delivery — working closely with senior leadership to operationalize growth and scale repeatable commercial processes. This is an on-site role based in <strong>Berlin, Germany</strong>.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">The company builds an advanced materials acceleration platform that combines physics-informed AI, robotics, and large-scale experimental data to dramatically compress R&amp;D timelines in the energy and cleantech sectors. The team includes alumni of organizations such as BASF, Siemens, Climeworks, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em"><em>Please note: visa sponsorship is not available for this role.</em></p><h3>What You'll Do</h3><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Bridge science and market needs to deliver scalable climate impact across a growing customer base.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Collaborate with the VP of Commercial and senior leadership to operationalize and scale commercial efforts.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Act as the primary connection between customers and internal teams, developing projects from initial scope through to signed agreement.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Drive strategic sales efforts by researching and pursuing key commercial opportunities.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Track pipeline movement and maintain a high-quality CRM overview with relevant reporting and analytics.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Build and refine BD workflows, templates, and documentation to scale repeatable success.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Identify customer needs, qualify inbound and outbound leads, and coordinate lead qualification across the team.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Own post-deal activities, supporting partner onboarding and early-stage execution of new partnerships.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Serve as the main point of contact to manage and deepen client relationships over time.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Coordinate with technical and operations teams to ensure aligned, timely delivery on partner commitments.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Identify upsell and expansion opportunities within existing accounts and new contacts.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Represent the company at international exhibitions, trade fairs, and conferences, including delivering techno-commercial presentations.</p></li></ul><h3>What We're Looking For</h3><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Required:</strong></p><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">3–5 years of experience in international business development, account management, or technical sales — ideally in deep tech, advanced materials, or climate-related sectors.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Demonstrated success in commercializing scientific or technical capabilities and translating them into tangible commercial outcomes.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Proficiency with CRM systems and pipeline management tools (e.g., Salesforce or similar).</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional delivery between sales, technical, and operations teams.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Experience building BD workflows, templates, and documentation to support scalable, repeatable processes.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Willingness and ability to travel internationally for client meetings and industry events.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Fluency in both <strong>English and German</strong>; additional European languages are a plus.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Excellent written and verbal communication skills across internal and external stakeholders.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Comfortable navigating ambiguity and moving quickly in an early-stage startup environment.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Genuine interest in climate technology and science-driven innovation.</p></li></ul><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Nice to Have:</strong></p><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Graduate-level education (MSc or PhD) in materials science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or a closely related field — or an equivalent strong scientific background.</p></li></ul><h3>Location &amp; Work Arrangement</h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">This is a full-time, <strong>on-site</strong> position based in <strong>Berlin, Germany</strong>. Frequent international travel is expected as part of the role. Visa sponsorship is not available.</p><p>Find <a href="https://www.arbeitnow.com">Jobs in Germany</a> on Arbeitnow</a>