Business Development Manager & Partner Manager

Position Overview

OpenTAS is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager & Partner Manager to enhance our sales team. This role is critical for spotting and cultivating new commercial chances while managing strategic partnerships that drive sustained company growth. The selected professional will proactively build market presence, establish enduring relationships with prospective clients and partners, and convert qualified opportunities into business success.

Serving as the liaison among customers, partners, and internal departments, you will oversee the full business development lifecycle including market research, outreach, negotiations, deal closure, and nurturing long-term partnerships. Strong collaboration with Consulting, PMO, Marketing, Product Management, and other key stakeholders is essential to ensure opportunities align strategically, financially, and operationally.

This multifaceted role blends direct business development activities with strategic partner management responsibilities, ideal for someone passionate about generating leads, fostering trustful partnerships, and managing prospects through to commercial fruition.

Residence in Germany (preferably Hamburg) and proficient written and spoken skills in both German and English are mandatory. The role also requires willingness to frequently travel for client, partner, and industry event engagements.

Key Duties

• Identify and evaluate new market segments and business opportunities.
• Develop and execute growth-driven business development and partnership strategies.
• Engage proactively with potential customers and partners via outreach, networking, referrals, and events.
• Establish and cultivate enduring partnerships with technology, implementation, consulting, and sales collaborators.
• Manage the complete sales cycle from initial engagement and needs assessment to solution proposition, negotiation, and contract completion.
• Create tailored business models, partnership approaches, and go-to-market strategies.
• Lead commercial negotiations and coordinate agreements alongside management and internal stakeholders.
• Implement structured onboarding, enablement, and developmental processes for partners.
• Monitor and evaluate partner performance against set objectives and KPIs.
• Maintain detailed and transparent sales and partner pipelines with regular forecasting and reporting.
• Stay abreast of market trends, customer needs, competitor activities, and relevant industry developments.
• Represent the company at customer/partner meetings, trade fairs, conferences, and industry gatherings.
• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Consulting, and Management teams.
• Incorporate feedback from customers and partners to refine products, services, and business approaches.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of five years in sales roles emphasizing business development, strategic sales, partner or channel management, or similar commercial functions.
• Demonstrated success in securing new clients or partners and nurturing these relations through to finalized agreements.
• Experience managing strategic partnerships and indirect sales channels.
• Ability to evaluate market potential, identify opportunities, assess customer needs, and develop customized business cases.
• Proven track record in marketing complex software, IT solutions, or consulting services, preferably in B2B environments.
• Experience in Oil & Gas, chemical, energy, logistics, or industrial software sectors is advantageous; otherwise, a commitment to quickly grasp this industry’s complexities is needed.
• Effective communication across various stakeholder levels, including operational staff, technical experts, decision-makers, and senior executives.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship management capabilities.
• Competence in handling commercial negotiations and contract agreements.
• Methodical, dependable, goal-oriented work ethic paired with a strong sense of ownership.
• Entrepreneurial mindset equipped to independently prioritize and advance new prospects.
• Skillful at understanding and articulating complex products and technical topics to demonstrate their commercial value.
• Experience using CRM systems to maintain accurate and current opportunity pipelines.
• Excellent command of German and English, both oral and written.
• Preparedness to travel regularly for client and partner engagements and industry events.
• Completed degree in Business Administration, Economics, Business Informatics, Engineering, International Management or related fields.

Additional Information

This position is not suitable for entry-level applicants; candidates should have substantial prior experience. We explicitly encourage applications from individuals over 50 years of age.

Why Join Us

• Flexible hybrid working options including remote work and temporary mobile work abroad.
• Work time account system supporting healthy work-life balance.
• Generous 30 days of annual leave.
• Transparent career development framework with growth opportunities.
• Strong support for professional growth and continuous learning.
• Access to JobRad programs for bike leasing options.
• Engaging team-building and corporate events fostering an open company culture.
• Internationally diverse team, clients, and partners.
• Supportive works council providing advisory services.
• Participation in a growing global environment with innovative products.
• Direct influence on forging new business ties, partnerships, and organizational growth.

Compensation

The annual gross salary range offered is between 85000 and 100000 euros, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and competencies assessed on objective and equitable criteria.

Company Background

OpenTAS has led digitalized business process solutions for over 40 years in the terminal management sector, specializing in supply chain services for energy and chemicals from midstream to downstream segments. Our expertise supports complex industry challenges through a portfolio including consultancy, software products, and managed services. As digital engineers and consultants, we leverage technology and partner insights to help clients set new standards within these industrial sectors.