Partnership Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE We are a seed-stage deeptech startup at the intersection of AI, robotics, chemistry, and materials science — building a platform that radically accelerates the discovery of advanced materials for the energy sector and beyond. Our autonomous lab and physics-informed AI platform compress decades-long R&D timelines into a fraction of the time. We are hiring a Partnership Manager to own the post-signing commercial partner relationship end-to-end — turning signed agreements into delivered outcomes and building the long-term trust that fuels deeper collaboration. You will coordinate across AI, chemistry, automation, and lab teams to translate partner goals into clear scopes, milestones, and results. This is a delivery-focused, cross-functional ownership role — not a sales role. You will be the trusted counterpart for a portfolio of strategic commercial partners and the internal advocate who keeps execution honest and on track. Location: On-site in Berlin, Germany. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Own commercial partner success end-to-end and be fully accountable for delivery. - Serve as the primary trusted counterpart for a portfolio of strategic commercial partners. - Clarify what success looks like for partners — beyond the contract language — and keep expectations aligned with reality. - Advocate for partners internally; 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 concrete scopes, milestones, and priorities. - Resolve ambiguity, manage tradeoffs, and maintain project momentum under pressure. - Communicate early and clearly when risks or changes arise to protect partner trust. - Identify opportunities to grow delivered value into expanded collaboration. - Partner with Business Development to shape and convert follow-on engagements. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Required - 5+ years of experience in partnerships, consulting, customer success, or account management within complex technical environments. - Proven track record of owning delivery across multiple stakeholders with competing priorities. - Strong project coordination and stakeholder management skills — you keep things moving without formal authority. - Technical literacy in deep tech, science, or engineering domains; comfortable navigating conversations with scientists and engineers. - Demonstrated calm under pressure with a high sense of ownership and accountability. - Clear, precise communicator who builds trust through honesty and follow-through. - Fluent in English (written and spoken). Nice to Have - Fluency in additional languages beyond English. - Experience working in or alongside materials science, chemistry, energy, or advanced manufacturing industries. - Background in a cross-functional program coordination or technical consulting capacity at a fast-paced, science-driven company. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Compensation details were not specified for this role. Salary and benefits will be discussed during the interview process and are competitive for a seed-stage deeptech company in Berlin. LOCATION This is a fully on-site role based in Berlin, Germany. Candidates must be authorised to work in Germany; visa sponsorship is not available.