Partnership Manager

Defence Builder is a Ukrainian defence-tech ecosystem built on three integrated pillars - accelerator, early-stage VC fund, and capabilities unit - designed to serve every major stakeholder in the defence market through one entry point at the intersection of capital, expertise, and infrastructure. We're looking for a Partnership Manager to own these relationships end-to-end, drive new revenue streams, and turn every partnership into a concrete outcome for the ecosystem and its companies.

About the Position

Defence Builder sits at the centre of a complex partner map: grant support from ecosystem players (defence companies, VCs, government programmes), defence agencies, international accelerators, corporate R&D units, and allied-nation programmes. Every partner has a different engagement model, timeline, and set of requirements - and each of them has something concrete they need from an ecosystem like ours.

This role exists to answer one question systematically: what does each partner need, and how does Defence Builder deliver it? That means building a structured map of the partner landscape before anything else - who the potential partners are, what they want, what DB can offer them, and what a deal looks like. Then it means executing: turning that map into active conversations, signed agreements, and revenue.

Responsibilities

• Build the partner map - first priority

  • Who are the potential partners? (grant providers, defence agencies, NATO programmes, corporate R&D units, dual-use funds, allied-nation accelerators, government innovation bodies)
  • What does each partner category need? (deal flow, analytics, co-investment, access to tested companies, co-branding, capability delivery, validated suppliers)
  • How does Defence Builder close that need? (via the accelerator portfolio, the fund, the capabilities unit, or a combination)
  • What does a partnership deal look like for each type? (MOU, grant agreement, paid programme, consulting engagement, sponsored initiative)

• Partner relationship management

  • Own the full partner lifecycle: initial introduction → agreement → activation → renewal
  • Maintain a CRM-style record of all active and prospective partners: status, terms, contacts, next steps
  • Run regular check-ins with partners, report internally on partnership health and outcomes
  • Represent Defence Builder at relevant events and meetings on behalf of the ecosystem

• Grant & programme facilitation

  • Act as the main point of contact between opportunity providers (grants, programmes, challenges) and DB portfolio companies
  • Matchmake companies from each batch to the right partner based on fit - not just availability
  • Manage documentation, signature coordination, and compliance tracking for each grant or programme
  • Flag issues and blockers early; own the resolution

• Revenue generation from partnerships

  • Identify and close partnership deals that generate revenue for Defence Builder: sponsored programmes, consulting engagements, ecosystem services, co-branded initiatives
  • Develop and pitch tailored partnership packages to corporate partners, government bodies, and international programmes
  • Negotiate terms, draft partnership agreements in coordination with legal counsel
  • Build a sustainable pipeline of partnership revenue

• New partner development

  • Continuously expand the partner map: identify new high-priority targets across Ukraine, EU, and allied nations
  • Initiate outreach to corporate innovation units, defence ministries, NATO programmes, and dual-use funds
  • Work with the President on high-priority international partnerships and warm introductions

Requirements

• Background

  • 3+ years in bizdev, partnerships, institutional relations, or programme management
  • Experience working with government bodies, grant-making institutions, or defence sector partners
  • Track record of closing deals and driving concrete outcomes - not just maintaining relationships
  • Familiarity with Ukraine's defence-tech or innovation ecosystem is a strong plus
  • Fluent Ukrainian and English - written and spoken

• Skills & style

  • Commercial mindset - always thinking about how a partnership turns into revenue or value
  • Structured thinker - can build a clear map of a messy landscape and prioritize ruthlessly
  • Organized and process-driven - can manage 10–15 active partner relationships simultaneously without losing track
  • Strong communicator - comfortable engaging with senior officials, founders, and institutional partners in the same day
  • Persistent and resourceful - navigates bureaucracy and slow-moving institutions without frustration
  • Builder mentality - establishes processes and templates where none exist

What we offer

• Role at the intersection of defence tech, venture, and Ukrainian national resilience
• Direct access to senior officials, international programmes, and institutional partners across Ukraine and allied nations
• Participation in international delegations, summits, and ecosystem events
• High autonomy to build the partnership function and define its playbook
• Competitive compensation (discussed individually)

Locations

• Kyiv, Ukraine
• European Union
• NATO
• Allied Nations

Employment Details

• Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Senior
• Languages: Fluent Ukrainian and English
• Work Location Type: On-site