Partnership Manager

About the role

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.