Business Developer Defense - 100%

Tethys Robotics; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 120.000 - 180.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

International travel

Zurich office in the area

Flat hierarchies

Zusammenfassung

Tethys Robotics, a Swiss underwater robotics startup in Zurich, seeks a strategic Business Development professional with a strong defence sector network to drive growth and partnerships. You will collaborate with engineering and business teams to shape proposals and go-to-market plans, navigating complex procurement landscapes.

The role requires extensive travel (up to 50% during busy periods, ~25% typical) and a proactive, coachable mindset. Fluency in English is essential; German is a plus.

Qualifikationen

• 5 years of proven customer-facing experience in consulting, project management, in B2B sales or similar roles with technologically sophisticated products.
• Background in project management or technical consulting is strongly preferred; navigate complex procurement processes.
• Proven experience presenting complex products to non-expert decision-makers in high-stakes environments.
• Fluent in professional English; any other language is a strong advantage.

Aufgaben

• Co-develop go-to-market and partner strategies with the biz team and management (resellers, agencies, distributors).
• Develop tailored proposals in close collaboration with engineering and biz team.
• Open doors in the defense sector, generating qualified leads for the business.

Kenntnisse

Communication skills

Networking

Negotiation

Intercultural competence

Project management

HubSpot CRM

Tools

HubSpot CRM

Jobbeschreibung

Tethys Robotics develops innovative robotic solutions for subsea inspection & investigation operations in challenging conditions. We serve clients such as governmental organizations, large asset operators and industrial service providers operating in high-demand and mission-critical environments.

As an ETH Zürich spin-off, we are a fast-growing pioneer in underwater robotics, rooted in Switzerland. Backed by strong funding and entering an exciting phase of international growth, we are looking for a driven and entrepreneurial person to help scale Tethys Robotics.

Tasks

We are looking for a well-connected professional with deep roots in the defence ecosystem, someone who combines relationship capital with project management discipline and genuine enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology.

Your Contribution

You will open doors in the defense sector: Your professional network in this industry will finally generate qualified leads for our business.

If you have the network, the drive, and the ability to navigate complex procurement environments, we would love to hear from you.

• Co-develop go-to-market and partner strategies together with the biz team and management (e.g. resellers, agencies, distributors).
• Develop tailored proposals in close collaboration with our engineering and biz team

Requirements

• Existing connections between key buyers and decision-makers at defence primes and procuring organizations such as NATO member states, or comparable entities
• 5 years of proven customer-facing experience in consulting, project management, in B2B sales or similar roles, with technologically sophisticated products; a deep defence sector network and genuine market knowledge are essential – this is not a pure sales role
• Background in project management or technical consulting is strongly preferred; the role demands sector fluency and the ability to navigate complex procurement processes, not just sales skills
• Proven experience presenting and explaining complex, technically demanding products to non-expert decision-makers in high-stakes environments
• Excellent communication and networking skills, strong negotiation abilities, and intercultural competence, convincing personality with a talent for winning people over
• Persistent, structured and comfortable owning your outcomes
• Caring, curious and coachable, committed to continuous improvements
• Fluent in professional English, both written and spoken; any other language is a strong advantage
• Flexibility and ability for spontaneous national and international business travels in the field of the customers (up to 50% travel time during intensive times, regulary approx. 25%)
• Driver's license is mandatory

Bonus points if you bring:

• Sales experience in defense, maritime, robotics or offshore industries
• Experience in professionally managing sales pipelines and CRM processes, preferably in HubSpot
• Fluent in professional German

Benefits

• A key role in one of Europe’s most ambitious underwater robotics startups
• A dynamic, high-performance team with a strong builder mentality and flat hierarchies
• Real ownership, fast decision-making, and the opportunity to shape both the company and your own role as we scale
• Frequent international travel, field demonstrations, and trade shows
• A modern office in the Zurich area, close to both the city and the lake

We value diversity:

Tethys Robotics encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all are respected.

Curious? So are we!

We look forward to receiving your online application as we value the attitude over experience. In any case, please provide a full overview of the following documents – we value the completeness:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of reference / work certificates
• Education certificates

We only accept applications via the online portal.