Business Development Specialist/Lead (Defence & Startup)

Position: Business Development Lead

Location: Cambridge, UK (Hybrid)

Company: Confidential / "Stealth-Stage Scale-Up"

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Company

Our clients is a high-growth Cambridge deep-tech spinout pioneering next-generation energy storage technologies for defence. As they transition their core technology from laboratory success toward commercial integration and scale-up, we are seeking an ambitious, strategic Business Development Lead to accelerate our global commercial footprint to our new and existing strategic partners.

The Role

Reporting directly to and partnering closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Business Development Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping our commercial strategy. You will identify, build, and close high-impact strategic partnerships, joint development agreements (JDAs), and commercial contracts across key growth markets in the UK, EU, and USA.

This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for an experienced commercial strategist who thrives at the intersection of deep tech, complex OEM sales cycles, and global partner ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Partnership & Strategy: Partner directly with the CEO to define commercial go-to-market strategies, valuation models, and international expansion plans across the UK, Europe, and the US.
• Strategic Deal Making: Prospect, originate, negotiate, and secure commercial deals, Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), technology validation trials, and supply agreements with Tier-1 OEMs, battery cell manufacturers, and industrial leaders.
• Global Market Expansion: Build and nurture a robust pipeline of strategic partners across key verticals (Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, EV/e-Mobility, Consumer Electronics, and Energy Storage).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with our R&D, operations, and engineering teams to translate customer requirements and market feedback into actionable product roadmaps.
• Market Intelligence & Positioning: Monitor global battery supply chain trends, regulatory shifts, funding ecosystems, and competitive landscapes to position the business as the partner of choice in next-gen battery tech.
• Represent the Business Globally: Act as a key ambassador for the company at major industry summits, investor forums, customer meetings, and trade shows across Europe and North America.

About You

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Track Record in Commercial Growth: Proven experience in B2B business development, strategic partnerships, or corporate development within deep-tech, clean energy, advanced materials, hardware, or climate-tech sectors.
• International Market Exposure: Demonstrated ability to negotiate and close agreements with partners in the UK, EU, and USA.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to quickly understand complex technical capabilities (electrochemistry, materials science, or advanced hardware) and articulate value propositions to both technical teams and executive-level decision-makers.
• Deal Execution: End-to-end deal experience—from initial cold outreach and ecosystem mapping to term sheet negotiation, contract execution, and post-deal account management.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Highly proactive, comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced scale-up environment, and capable of working independently while closely aligned with executive leadership.

What We Offer

• Impact & Influence: Direct influence on the commercial trajectory of a pioneering Cambridge deep-tech venture working alongside executive leadership.
• Equity & Upside: Competitive compensation package including equity options, reflecting your role as a key contributor to our growth.
• Flexible Working: Collaborative Cambridge office environment combined with flexible hybrid working options and regular international travel (UK, EU, US).
• Professional Growth: Opportunity to build out a global business development team as the company scales.

How to Apply

To express interest, submit your CV along with a short introduction highlighting your experience in structuring strategic partnerships across deep-tech or advanced manufacturing.