Business Development & Partnership Manager

This is a remote position.

A rapidly growing payment-technology startup is expanding into the United States and is seeking an entrepreneurial Partnership & Business Development Manager to lead the charge.

This person will be responsible for identifying, engaging, and onboarding new Payment Service Providers (PSPs) and acquirers for their merchant partners—building from the ground up in a brand-new market.

While prior payments experience is a plus, it's the candidate’s curiosity, grit, and drive that will define success in this role.

This is a high-impact, individual contributor position. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership, receiving hands-on mentorship while owning a bold market-entry strategy. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys starting from scratch, learning on the fly, and turning a “no” into a “how.”

Key Responsibilities

• Market Mapping – Analyze the U.S. payments landscape; identify high-potential PSPs and acquirers; build and maintain a dynamic target list.
  

• Outbound Development – Initiate contact, pitch the value proposition, and secure meetings with key decision-makers.
  

• Relationship Building – Guide partners from initial discovery through deal design and negotiation, leading to signed MIDs or partnership contracts.
  

• Cross-Functional Coordination – Collaborate with Product, Compliance, and Engineering teams to ensure smooth technical and operational integrations.
  

• Market Intelligence – Monitor regulatory trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to inform go-to-market and product strategies.
  

• Pipeline Ownership – Maintain accurate CRM records, forecast partnership progress, and report regularly to leadership.
  

• Experiment & Iterate – Treat every outreach as a test; refine tactics, share learnings, and contribute to continuous team improvement.
  

Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in business development, sales, partnerships, or founder-like roles (internships and side projects where something real was built are valued).
  

• Excellent spoken and written English; comfortable engaging U.S. executives via calls and meetings.
  

• Proven ability to break into new markets through persistence, creativity, and strong communication.
  

• Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and can work across time zones.
  

• Bonus: experience in payments, fintech, e-commerce, or SaaS.
  

Must-Have Competencies

• Entrepreneurial mindset – Takes ownership, moves with urgency, and performs well in uncertain environments.
  

• Prospecting & negotiation skills – Understands how to build and close a pipeline.
  

• Research & analytical abilities – Can map ecosystems, filter noise, and set smart priorities.
  

• Resilience & adaptability – Bounces back from setbacks, learns quickly, and iterates without ego.
  

• Clear, persuasive communication – Tailors messaging to audiences, engages stakeholders, and drives action.
  

• Existing network within U.S. PSPs/acquirers.
  

• Hands-on experience working with payment gateways or managing merchant onboarding.
  

• Familiarity with U.S. payments regulations and schemes.
  

• Previous experience in a startup or high-growth environment.
  

• Spanish language skills, especially relevant for LATAM-focused projects.
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary – ~€80K depending on experience, plus a performance-based bonus.
  

• Equity opportunity – Stock option plan available after the first year.
  

• Flexible work setup – 100% remote or hybrid from hubs in Amsterdam, Paris, or London.
  

• Executive mentorship – Learn directly from experienced leaders in the payments industry.
  

• Personal growth budget – Annual allowance for courses, certifications, and conferences.
  

• High-impact role – Join a small, agile team where your work will directly influence the company’s success.