Head of Partnerships

QLever; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

QLever is building the software platform between quantum algorithms and the hardware that runs them, enabling developers to build, optimize, and deploy quantum applications across architectures. We are looking for a Head of Partnerships to own this dimension of the company — our first dedicated commercial hire, working directly with the CEO.

Hybrid out of Amsterdam. You will own the full partnership lifecycle: identifying the right partners, opening doors, structuring and negotiating agreements,

Qualifications

• 5+ years in partnerships, business development, or strategic alliances in deep tech.
• Proven track record of sourcing, negotiating, and landing technical partnerships.
• Ability to hold discussions with quantum hardware and software teams.
• Willingness to travel across Europe and the US.
• Existing network in the quantum computing ecosystem.
• Experience with government-funded and consortium-based collaborations.
• Background in physics, computer science, or engineering.
• Comfort operating with high autonomy in an early-stage environment.

Responsibilities

• Own the full partnership lifecycle: identifying partners, opening doors, structuring and negotiating agreements, and turning signed deals into working collaborations.
• Hardware partnerships: grow and manage co-engineering relationships with quantum hardware companies.
• Technology and ecosystem partnerships: drive integrations with the broader quantum software stack and represent QLever in standards bodies.
• Strategic accounts: build early relationships with enterprises, national labs, and research institutions.
• Internal alignment: work with science and engineering teams to translate partner requirements into roadmap input.
• Define our commercial motion from the ground up.

Skills

Partnerships & BD

Deal negotiation

Autonomy

Education

Physics / CS / Engineering degree

Job description

QLever is building the software platform that sits between quantum algorithms and the hardware that runs them — enabling developers and researchers to build, optimize, and deploy quantum applications across architectures. Our work is grounded in deep theory, developed in close collaboration with leading academic institutions, and built to accelerate the path to fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Partnerships are core to how we build, not just how we sell. Our compiler creates the most value when it is developed in close collaboration with hardware platforms, integrated into the tools developers already use, and connected to the institutions shaping the quantum ecosystem. We are looking for a Head of Partnerships to own this dimension of the company — our first dedicated commercial hire, working directly with the CEO.

What you'll do

You will own the full partnership lifecycle: identifying the right partners, opening doors, structuring and negotiating agreements, and turning signed deals into working collaborations.

• Hardware partnerships — grow and manage co-engineering relationships with quantum hardware companies across modalities, from first conversation through paid collaboration.
• Technology and ecosystem partnerships — drive integrations with the broader quantum software stack (GPU/HPC platforms, circuit-level toolchains, error-correction players) and represent QLever in standards bodies and industry consortia.
• Strategic accounts — build early relationships with the enterprises, national labs, and research institutions that will become our first field-library customers.
• Internal alignment — work closely with our science and engineering teams to scope what's technically real, and translate partner requirements into roadmap input.

We're a small team, which means the scope of the role will naturally evolve. You will help define our commercial motion from the ground up.

What we're looking for

• 5+ years in partnerships, business development, or strategic alliances in deep tech, developer tools, or infrastructure software
• Track record of sourcing, negotiating, and landing technical partnerships — not just managing inherited ones
• Enough technical depth to hold your own in conversations with quantum hardware and software teams, and the honesty to know when to bring in our scientists
• Comfort operating with high autonomy in an early-stage environment where the playbook doesn't exist yet
• Willingness to travel across Europe and the US for partners and industry events
• Existing network in the quantum computing ecosystem (hardware vendors, cloud providers, national programs)
• Experience with government-funded and consortium-based collaborations (EU programs, national quantum initiatives)
• Prior experience at a company that monetized an open-core or platform business model
• Background in physics, computer science, or engineering

What we offer

Competitive market salary, meaningful equity options, and ownership of a function that directly shapes the company's trajectory. You'll work directly with the CEO, engage with the leading players in the quantum industry, and define how a deep-tech platform company goes to market. Hybrid out of Amsterdam.