Program Director Growth & Partnerships 1 fte (40 hrs/ week)

About the role

Accelerate global partnerships and unlock the next phase of growth in circular chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and approach prospective companies, understand their accommodation and innovation needs, and translate these into compelling propositions for locating on campus.
• Drive acquisition efforts, with a clear focus on occupancy and revenue generation.
• Lead commercial conversations, negotiations and deal closure with prospective tenants and partners.
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant external stakeholders, intermediaries and business networks.
• Create new and relevant programmes through European and national funding, PPP structures, consortia and multi-year collaborations with corporates that generate campus-wide funding and strengthen the ecosystem.
• Represent Brightlands in relevant networks, trade missions and events to generate new leads and visibility.
• Initiate partnerships and programs at a national and European level that support commercial growth and strengthen the ecosystem.
• Help steer the qualitative development of the campus by attracting companies and partners that reinforce its strategic profile and long-term ambitions.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders such as Real Estate, Business Development, Marketing and Innovation to ensure successful onboarding and alignment.
• Structural cooperation with the Director Business Development in forwarding opportunities to concrete contracts.

Requirements

• Academic working and thinking level.
• 10+ years of experience in commercial business development, acquisition, partnerships or sales in a complex B2B environment.
• A proven track record in attracting new clients, negotiating deals and closing business.
• Experience with campus development, real estate, innovation environments or knowledge-intensive ecosystems is a strong plus.
• Affinity with chemical, materials and/or recycling industry is a plus.
• A strong commercial instinct and the ability to recognize and act on opportunities quickly.
• Confidence and credibility in engaging senior decision-makers and external partners.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong communication skills in English; Dutch is a plus.

Qualifications

• Commercially sharp and energetic dealmaker who thrives on opening doors and closing opportunities.
• Active goer after opportunities and persistent in follow-up.
• Comfortable approaching new prospects and building trust quickly.
• Ability to translate interest into commitment and commitment into contracts.
• Understanding of which partnerships and tenants add most value to the campus and can connect commercial decisions to a broader strategic vision.
• Combination of commercial drive with enough sensitivity to operate effectively in a multi-stakeholder environment.

Skills

• Academic working and thinking level.
• Experience in commercial business development, acquisition, partnerships or sales in a complex B2B environment.
• Track record in attracting new clients, negotiating deals and closing business.
• Experience with campus development, real estate, innovation environments or knowledge-intensive ecosystems.
• Affinity with chemical, materials and/or recycling industry.
• Strong commercial instinct and ability to recognize and act on opportunities quickly.
• Confidence and credibility in engaging senior decision-makers and external partners.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong communication skills in English; Dutch is a plus.

Benefits

A strategic and highly visible role within a leading European innovation campus.

An international, dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment.

Significant autonomy and mandate to drive growth.

Competitive salary and benefits.

Opportunities to shape the future of circular chemistry and materials.

Pay

TBD

Schedule

40 hours per week