Partnership Manager

About The Role

We are a seed-stage deeptech startup situated at the crossroads of physics-informed AI, robotics, and advanced materials science, focused on speeding up the discovery of next-generation materials aimed at the energy sector and beyond. We are seeking a Partnership Manager who will be responsible for managing relationships post-signature with our strategic commercial partners, ensuring that agreements translate into tangible results and lasting trust.

This position requires presence at our Berlin, Germany office. Visa sponsorship is not available, so applicants must already hold the right to work in Germany.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of commercial partner success, ensuring delivery aligns with agreed goals.
• Act as the trusted main liaison for a portfolio of strategic commercial partners.
• Define and clarify success metrics for partners beyond contractual terms.
• Represent partner interests inside the company and promote company interests externally with clarity and credibility.
• Coordinate across multiple teams including AI, chemistry, automation, and laboratory personnel to drive project completion through influence rather than direct authority.
• Translate partner objectives into clear project scopes, milestones, and priorities.
• Manage ambiguity and trade-offs to maintain momentum across complex technical workflows.
• Communicate early and transparently about risks or necessary changes to preserve trust and align expectations.
• Identify opportunities to expand value delivered into deeper collaborations.
• Work closely with Business Development to develop and finalize follow-up engagements.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in partnerships, consulting, customer success, or account management handling complex technical projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage end-to-end delivery involving multiple stakeholders in technical environments.
• Experience in coordinating cross-disciplinary teams in areas such as AI, chemistry, automation, or labs.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills to represent both partner and company interests effectively.
• Ability to articulate partner goals into precise project scopes, milestones, and priorities with clear communication.
• A proactive approach to risk management that involves early identification and transparent communication of issues and changes.
• Technical fluency in deeptech, science, or engineering domains, comfortable collaborating closely with scientists and engineers.
• Composure under pressure coupled with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken; knowledge of additional languages is advantageous.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Berlin, Germany; note this role requires on-site work and does not offer visa sponsorship.

Preferred but not mandatory:

• Experience in materials science, chemistry, cleantech, or related scientific industries.
• Exposure to early-stage or scaling startup environments.
• Proficiency in additional European languages.

Location and Working Conditions

The role is full-time and requires on-site presence in Berlin, Germany. Applicants must have existing authorization to work in Germany as visa sponsorship is not provided.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary and benefits information will be shared during interviews. You will join a well-funded seed-stage company engaged in challenging, high-impact scientific and technological work.