Partnership Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE We're a seed-stage deeptech startup operating at the intersection of physics-informed AI, robotics, and advanced materials science — accelerating the discovery of next-generation materials for the energy sector and beyond. We're looking for a Partnership Manager to own the post-signing relationship with our strategic commercial partners and ensure that signed deals translate into real, delivered outcomes and lasting trust. This is an on-site role based in Berlin, Germany. Visa sponsorship is not available — candidates must already have the right to work in Germany. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Own commercial partner success end-to-end and be fully accountable for delivery against agreed outcomes. - Serve as the trusted primary counterpart for a portfolio of strategic commercial partners. - Clarify and define what success looks like for partners beyond contract language. - Advocate for partners internally and represent the company externally with equal clarity and credibility. - Drive delivery through influence, not authority — coordinating across AI, chemistry, automation, and lab teams. - Translate partner goals into clear scopes, milestones, and priorities. - Resolve ambiguity, manage trade-offs, and maintain project momentum across complex technical workstreams. - Communicate early and clearly when risks or changes arise to protect trust and keep expectations aligned with reality. - Identify opportunities to grow delivered value into deeper, expanded collaboration. - Partner closely with Business Development to shape and convert follow-on engagements. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Must-haves: - 5+ years of experience in partnerships, consulting, customer success, or account management within complex technical environments. - Proven track record of owning end-to-end delivery across multiple stakeholders in technical projects. - Experience coordinating cross-functional teams spanning domains such as AI, chemistry, automation, and/or lab environments. - Strong stakeholder management skills — able to represent partner interests internally and company interests externally. - Ability to translate partner goals into scopes, milestones, and priorities with clear, precise communication. - Proactive risk management mindset — surfaces issues early and communicates changes transparently to protect momentum and trust. - Technical literacy in deep tech, science, or engineering — comfortable working alongside scientists and engineers. - Calm under pressure with a high sense of ownership and accountability. - Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus. - Based in or able to relocate to Berlin, Germany (on-site role; no visa sponsorship available). Nice to have: - Background in materials science, chemistry, cleantech, or adjacent deep-science industries. - Experience in early-stage or scaling startup environments. - Additional European languages. LOCATION & WORK ARRANGEMENT This is a full-time, on-site position based in Berlin, Germany. Candidates must have the right to work in Germany — visa sponsorship is not provided. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process. You'll be joining a well-funded seed-stage team working on genuinely hard, high-impact science and technology.