Senior Manager

WHO WE ARE:

Plug and Play Tech Center is the world's leading open innovation platform, connecting the most promising startups with global corporations to drive meaningful, lasting change. With over 60 locations worldwide and a portfolio of 500+ corporate members - including Eli Lilly, Irish Life, Johnson & Johnson, and Coca-Cola - we run vertical-specific accelerator programs and invest directly in breakthrough ventures. Our track record includes early-stage backing of Dropbox, Honey, LendingClub, and Einride.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

As Senior Manager, you will own a portfolio of 5 - 10 high-value corporate partnerships across EMEA - from initial onboarding through strategic value delivery to renewal. You are the primary relationship owner and trusted innovation advisor for C-suite executives and innovation leaders at our partner organisations, helping them navigate open innovation, startup collaboration, and the design or scaling of internal innovation units.

This is a role for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and a curious mind for innovation, technology and industry transformation.  Equally comfortable presenting to a Chief Innovation Officer and rolling up their sleeves to make things happen, this person stays close to emerging tech and industry trends, understands what is shaping markets and corporate priorities, and can translate these insights into meaningful partnerships and business opportunities. You will work cross-functionally with our investment and program teams, and will contribute to business development efforts for new partner acquisitions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partner Account Management & Value Delivery

• Own the full lifecycle of 5 - 10 strategic corporate partnerships - onboarding, program design, value delivery, and renewal negotiation
• Serve as the primary strategic point of contact for C-suite executives and innovation leaders at partner organizations
• Develop and execute tailored annual engagement plans, ensuring measurable value creation aligned with each partner's strategic objectives
• Drive NRR/GDR growth across your portfolio through proactive account management and strong renewal execution
• Track and communicate partnership impact internally and externally, building the business case for continued investment

Innovation Advisory

• Advise partners on open innovation strategy, startup collaboration frameworks, and the design or development of internal innovation units - tailored to the maturity and strategic context of each organisation
• Facilitate high-quality touchpoints between corporate partners and Plug and Play's startup ecosystem, ensuring relevance and strategic fit
• Stay current on innovation trends and translate insights into actionable recommendations for partners

Business Development & Strategic Growth

• Support the acquisition of new corporate partners through pipeline contribution, pitch participation, and stakeholder engagement
• Identify upsell and expansion opportunities within existing accounts
• Contribute to market mapping and competitive intelligence to sharpen Plug and Play's positioning in key verticals

Cross-functional & Team Leadership

• Collaborate closely with program, startup scouting, and investment teams to deliver integrated value to corporate partners
• Provide functional leadership and mentorship across the team; people management responsibility may grow with the role
• Contribute to the standardization of account management best practices and partner engagement methodologies across Plug and Play's global network

TYPICAL BACKGROUND:

Must-have:

• Experience in or strong knowledge of the Insurance and/or Health industries, including corporate innovation dynamics, market trends and technology developments shaping these sectors. 
• 3+ years of experience in account management, management consulting, innovation management, or a related client-facing role
• Proven track record managing complex, high-value B2B relationships at senior stakeholder level
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and partnerships simultaneously with structure and discipline
• Highly empathetic communicator with strong interpersonal skills - able to build trust quickly across diverse cultures and seniority levels
• Hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset - no task is too small if it moves the partnership forward
• Professional proficiency in both English and German (written and spoken)
• Based in or willing to relocate to Munich

Nice-to-have:

• Familiarity with startup ecosystems, accelerator programs, or venture-backed environments
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree
• Experience with commercial renegotiations and contract management

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A front-row seat to global innovation - working with world-leading corporations and the startups disrupting their industries
• A dynamic, international team with a genuinely open and collaborative culture
• Real ownership - the ability to shape your accounts, contribute your ideas, and see their impact