Business Development Manager
About Us
The Heart is Poland's leading venture builder – a co-founder that builds companies together with founders and scientists, from the first idea through growth and exit, with a strong focus on the commercialization of technology and science. We operate at the intersection of four worlds: founders, academia, corporates, and capital – integrating them into one ecosystem where every new relationship compounds the value of every project we build.
We work across three models: Accelerate (supporting founders with early traction in scaling and fundraising), Incubate (deep co-creation from idea to investment readiness), and Spin-off (full venture formation around scientific IP). We don't invest capital – we invest expertise, structure, and ecosystem access, staying with founders through every stage of building.
We are a diverse, resourceful, and entrepreneurial group of people who believe that building together creates more value than anything we could build alone. If you want to understand how companies are really built – and be part of building them, not just advising on them – The Heart is where that happens.
Role Overview
We are looking for a Business Development Manager who will be responsible for building and developing relationships with corporate partners and generating high-quality dealflow for the Heart venture ecosystem.
It sits at the intersection of sales, partnerships, and venture building, requiring strong business understanding, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate market needs into innovation initiatives, and new ventures.
What You’ll Do
- Build a high-quality pipeline of corporate opportunities through network-driven activities
- Lead discovery conversations with senior stakeholders and identify real business challenges
- Translate client needs into venture opportunities, pilots, and new business initiatives
- Build and develop long-term, trust-based partnerships with corporate clients
- Own the full lifecycle: from sourcing → discovery → structuring → closing → account growth
- Market and competitive analysis, monitoring market trends and best practices in order to expand the catalogue of services and use cases
- Co-create and close opportunities together with Venture Building team
- Expand strategic accounts and activate them within The Heart ecosystem (validation, customers, future ventures)
- Coordinate of marketing activities: cooperation with marketing department in developing advertising campaigns consistent with the process and sales tools
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in B2B sales, consulting, business development, or strategic partnerships in complex corporate environments
- A proven track record of closing multi-stakeholder, long-cycle deals
- Confidence in engaging senior executives and navigating corporate decision-making processes
- Strong value-creation mindset, going beyond revenue to focus on strategic and long-term impact
- High self-drive and independence in building and growing a strong, high-quality pipeline
- Ability to structure ambiguity and translate complex business problems into clear opportunities
- Relationship-driven approach focused on long-term partnerships rather than transactional wins
- Clear, persuasive communication with strong business and commercial depth
- Fluency in English and Polish, with ability to operate in an international environment
What we value (nice to have)
- Experience in venture building, startups, or innovation ecosystems
- Strong corporate network across relevant industries
- Familiarity with new technologies (AI, digital products, platforms)
- Experience entering new markets or building new commercial categories
Why You’ll Love This Role
- Work at the intersection of corporates, founders, and venture creation where ideas are translated into operating businesses
- The opportunity to build a network of contacts in the corporate and startup ecosystem
- Work with autonomy in a culture built on trust, accountability, and delivery
- Vibrant startup culture - we are a bunch of curious individuals with similar values who care for people, results and delivery
Apply now and join The Heart.
Values
Aim high
Ambition with discipline
We set bold goals and pursue them with discipline and intention. We combine strategic depth with decisive execution — thinking clearly, acting with pace, and staying committed to a long-term vision.
Own It
Responsibility and commitment.
We take responsibility for our work, commit to outcomes, and follow through. We act with ownership, deliver on our promises, and care deeply about the results we create.
Turn Complexity into Clarity
Clarity is our advantage.
Tangled problems become structured systems. Ambiguity turns into clear steps, and analysis into momentum — so ideas move smoothly from vision to execution.
Stand for honesty
Openness builds trust.
We believe transparent communication and respectful feedback create strong relationships and better decisions. We speak clearly, listen openly, and address challenges with honesty and care.
Build Together
Stronger through collaboration.
We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and co-create solutions that are stronger because they’re built collectively. We succeed through shared ownership — celebrating wins together and learning from setbacks as one team.