Business Development Manager
Clera
<h3>About the Role</h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">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 <strong>Business Development Manager</strong> 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.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">This is a high-ownership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced, science-driven environments and is genuinely excited about climate technology.</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 commercial impact in the climate tech sector.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Collaborate with the VP of Commercial and executive leadership to operationalize commercial efforts and scale BD workflows.</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 developing key commercial opportunities and managing pipeline movement.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Maintain a high-quality CRM with relevant reporting; build and refine BD templates and documentation for repeatable success.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Identify customer needs, qualify leads, and coordinate lead qualification processes.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Own post-deal activities, supporting onboarding and early-stage execution of partnerships.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Serve as the main point of contact to manage and strengthen ongoing client relationships.</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">Spot 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 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">1–7 years of experience in business development, sales, account management, or technical sales operations.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Demonstrated ability to own post-deal onboarding and early-stage execution of partnerships.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Willingness and availability to represent the company at international exhibitions, fairs, and conferences.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Based in Berlin, Germany, or willing to relocate.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Fluency in both English and German.</p></li></ul><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Preferred:</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">Graduate-level education (MSc or PhD) in materials science, chemistry, physics, or chemical engineering.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Proven sales track record and commercial success in a B2B or technical sales environment.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Experience working across technical and commercial teams and coordinating complex projects.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Familiarity with CRM tools and basic sales tracking/reporting workflows.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Additional European languages beyond English and German are a plus.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced startup environment.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Genuine interest in climate technology and science-driven innovation.</p></li></ul><h3>Location & Work Arrangement</h3><p style="min-height:1.5em">This is a full-time, on-site role based in <strong>Berlin, Germany</strong>. Frequent international travel is expected as part of the role. <strong>Visa sponsorship is not available</strong> — candidates must have existing authorization to work in Germany.</p><h3>Why This Role</h3><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Join a well-backed early-stage company (Series A/B equivalent funding) with serious scientific credibility and a compelling climate mission.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Work directly with senior leadership in a high-impact, high-visibility commercial role.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Help build the commercial function from the ground up — shaping processes, playbooks, and culture.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Be part of a multidisciplinary team that bridges cutting-edge research and real-world industry deployment.</p></li></ul><p>Find <a href="https://www.arbeitnow.com">Jobs in Germany</a> on Arbeitnow</a>