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 .