Business Development Lead

About the Role

The Business Development Lead at Balena plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s commercial growth and strategic expansion. This role bridges strategy and execution , identifying new business opportunities, cultivating strategic partnerships, and providing the commercial organization with the insights, tools, and structure needed to succeed.

You’ll be responsible for scouting and launching new opportunities, supporting sales and marketing initiatives, and ensuring that all commercial activities align with Balena’s mission of sustainability and circular innovation .

Key Responsibilities

Business Growth & Partnerships

• Scout, evaluate, and initiate new business opportunities, partnerships, and strategic collaborations.
• Lead engagement with potential lighthouse projects and support their successful kickoff.
•  Build and maintain a qualified pipeline of prospects aligned with Balena’s commercial and strategic priorities.
• Ensure that all new business initiatives support Balena’s sustainability-driven vision and long-term growth plan.

Commercial Strategy & Market Insights

• Collect, organize, and analyze market and industry data to provide actionable insights.
• Track competitor activity and market trends to inform strategic decisions.
•  Collaborate with the Product and Marketing teams to activate new initiatives and ensure strong market resonance.
• Work with Operations and Product teams on pricing improvements and profitability optimization.
• Translate analytical findings into concrete recommendations that strengthen sales and marketing execution.

Sales Enablement & Client Support

• Support the Sales team with proposal development, event preparation, and client meetings.
• Contribute to the creation of presentations, pitches, and sales materials that drive engagement.
• Act as a point of support for key commercial initiatives where additional capacity is needed.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

•  Maintain and update Balena’s commercial database to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
• Manage the revenue tracking file: monitor performance against targets, flag gaps, and analyze deviations.
• Create transparency across the team regarding progress toward revenue and profitability goals.
•  Provide actionable insights to leadership on how to enhance commercial performance.

Strategic Contribution

• Actively contribute ideas for refining go-to-market strategies and identifying new revenue streams.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure seamless communication between business, product, and operational teams.

Requirements

• Remote, located in Europe
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 3–5 years of experience in business development, strategy, or commercial operations (preferably in materials, sustainability, or consumer goods).
• Proven track record in identifying and developing new business opportunities.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of working with multiple stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on execution approach.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Google Workspace, and Excel/Google Sheets.
• Passion for innovation, materials, and sustainability.