Head of Business Development

Phanofi; København; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based stock options

Healthcare insurance

Professional development support

Free snacks

5 weeks of paid holiday

Maternity/paternity leave

Job summary

Phanofi is a DTU spin-out building the next generation of optical communication infrastructure. We design photonic interconnect chips to reduce power use and boost AI datacenter throughput.

We seek a Head of Business Development who will own the commercial trajectory, define the go-to-market strategy, forge key partnerships, and lead funding initiatives while building the BD function from the ground up.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development or commercial leadership within photonics/semiconductor/deep-tech.
• Strong engineering or scientific background enabling engagement with technical teams and customers.
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or related discipline; MBA combined with a technical degree is advantageous.
• Strong BD, partnership management, negotiation, and market analysis skills.
• Fluency in English; Danish or other European languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute Phanofi’s business development strategy, establish commercial goals and KPIs, and drive market expansion across AI datacenters, quantum computing, and space sectors.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders across data communications, semiconductor, and photonics industries; lead partnership discussions and negotiations.
• Conduct market research, monitor industry trends and translate technical innovations into compelling business opportunities and commercial strategies.
• Represent Phanofi at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events; support thought leadership, public relations, and external communications.

Skills

Business development

Partnership management

Negotiation

Market analysis

Strategic leadership

English fluency

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Physics

MBA (advantage)

Job description

Phanofi is a DTU spin-out building the next generation of optical communication infrastructure. We design integrated photonic interconnect chips that dramatically reduce power consumption and increase data throughput for AI datacenters, quantum computing, and space applications. As a diverse team of 15 people, we are at an exciting inflection point, and we are looking for a senior leader to drive our commercial growth.

As Head of Business Development, you will own Phanofi's commercial trajectory. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will define and execute the go-to-market strategy, forge high-value industry partnerships, lead the company's funding and grant initiatives, and represent Phanofi on the global stage. This is a senior, highly visible role with the opportunity, and expectation, to build the business development function from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Commercial Leadership: Define and execute Phanofi’s business development strategy, establish commercial goals and KPIs, and drive market expansion across AI datacenters, quantum computing, and space sectors.
• Industry Relationships & Partnerships: Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders across the data communications, semiconductor, and photonics industries, while leading partnership discussions and negotiations.
• Market Intelligence & Business Insights: Conduct market research, monitor industry trends and competitive developments, and translate technical innovations into compelling business opportunities and commercial strategies.
• Brand Representation & External Communications: Represent Phanofi at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events, while supporting thought leadership, public relations, and external communications activities.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience: You bring a minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, or commercial leadership within the photonics, semiconductor, deep-tech, or related technology industries. You have a proven track record of securing strategic partnerships, commercial agreements, or major funding opportunities.
• Technical Background: You have a strong engineering or scientific background, preferably in photonics, integrated optics, electronics, communications, or a related field, enabling you to engage confidently with technical teams and customers.
• Education: A master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline is preferred. An MBA combined with a technical degree is considered an advantage.
• Skills: You possess strong business development, partnership management, negotiation, and market analysis skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling business value propositions.
• Leadership & Soft Skills: You are a strategic and entrepreneurial leader who can influence cross-functional teams, communicate effectively with both technical and commercial stakeholders, and thrive in a fast-paced deep-tech startup environment. Fluency in English is required; Danish or other European languages are considered a plus.

The Perks

We care about your long-term growth and well-being. We offer performance-based stock options, healthcare insurance, professional development support, and a positive culture with free snacks. You will also enjoy standard Danish benefits, including 5 weeks of paid holiday and maternity/paternity leave.

Phanofi is committed to providing a workplace where equal opportunity and non-discrimination are fundamental principles. In accordance with Danish law and the European Union’s legal framework, Phanofi ensures that all employment decisions, including recruitment, hiring, pay, promotion, training, and termination, are made without regard to gender, race, color, religion or belief, political affiliation, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national, social, or ethnic origin.