Business Developer – Photonics & Optical Communications

Location: Europe

About the Role

We are looking for a commercially minded Business Developer to support the growth of an innovative deep-tech company operating in photonics and optical communications.

This role will focus on identifying new markets and applications, developing strategic partnerships, and creating opportunities for the adoption of advanced photonics solutions. Working closely with senior management, sales and product teams, you will help shape market strategy, strengthen industry relationships and translate emerging market needs into commercial opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Market Development & Business Growth

• Identify and pursue new market opportunities, industries and applications for photonics and optical communication technologies.

• Build strategic partnerships and develop new sales and distribution channels.

• Generate, identify and qualify business leads, coordinating with the sales team to progress promising opportunities.

• Explore potential collaborations with industry players, research organisations and technology partners.

Market Research & Strategy

• Analyse market trends, customer requirements, competitive activity and emerging technology applications.

• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen market positioning and support business growth.

• Gather customer and industry insights and share findings with product and technical teams to inform product development and commercial priorities.

Strategic Planning & Project Development

• Work closely with senior management to align business development initiatives with company objectives.

• Identify relevant national and international funding, collaboration and project opportunities.

• Contribute to the preparation and writing of project applications, proposals and supporting documentation.

• Prepare reports on market developments, business opportunities, partnerships and progress against strategic objectives.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in business development, preferably within photonics, optics, electronics, semiconductors or another high-tech industry.

• A technical background in physics, optics, photonics, electronic engineering or a related discipline.

• Strong analytical, commercial and strategic thinking skills.

• Experience conducting market research and evaluating new markets, applications and customer needs.

• Knowledge of European markets and an established professional network within relevant technology industries.

• Experience developing national and international project applications, proposals or collaborative research projects.

• Excellent written communication, project coordination and presentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced startup or deep-tech environment.

• Excellent written and spoken English.

• Proficiency in at least one additional European language, such as Dutch, French or German.

• A genuine interest in emerging technologies and the commercial potential of photonics.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate combines technical understanding of photonics with commercial awareness and strong business development capabilities. They can identify promising applications for complex technologies, build relationships across industry and research ecosystems, and turn market insights into tangible opportunities for growth.

Experience in European deep-tech ecosystems, collaborative R&D projects and proposal development will be particularly valuable.

The Opportunity

Join an innovative technology environment where you can help bring advanced photonics solutions closer to market, develop strategic industry relationships and contribute directly to the company’s commercial growth.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Sindi Ngubane