SAP Development Consultant (all genders)

At tesa, we drive innovation by exploring and developing disruptive business opportunities in high-tech markets. As part of our Corporate Business Development and R&D strategy, we focus on technology-push initiatives, identifying emerging technologies and transforming them into scalable business models.

This role sits at the intersection of R&D and strategic business development, with a strong emphasis on early-stage technology scouting, open innovation, and commercialization of breakthrough solutions. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, a passion for deep tech innovation, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, this is the perfect opportunity!

Your Role

As a Technical Business Development Manager, you will explore, validate, and incubate new technology-driven business opportunities. Your goal is to identify breakthrough innovations, build strategic partnerships, and establish the foundation for scalable business models. You will work closely with R&D, startups, universities, and external innovation partners to develop solutions that shape tesa's future portfolio and open new markets.

Your Responsibilities

1. Identify and evaluate early-stage technologies that align with tesa's strategic focus.
2. Conduct market research, trend analysis, and competitive intelligence to assess commercial potential.
3. Develop proof-of-concept business cases and validate key assumptions through rapid experimentation.
4. Engage with universities, research institutes, and startups to establish technology partnerships.
5. Represent tesa in open innovation ecosystems, industry networks, and consortia.

Incubation & Business Model Validation (6-18 months)

1. Co-develop minimum viable products (MVPs) with R&D and external partners.
2. Build and engage pilot customers to validate real-world applications and refine value propositions.
3. Define go-to-market strategies, test pricing models, and explore commercialization pathways.
4. Secure strategic collaborations with early adopters, technology partners, and pilot customers.
5. Lead early-stage business development efforts, ensuring a structured path toward scalability.

Scaling & Business Growth (18+ months)

1. Develop and execute a scaling strategy for successful innovations.
2. Build a sustainable ecosystem of strategic partners, suppliers, and customers.
3. Secure internal and external investments to accelerate market entry.
4. Integrate validated business opportunities into tesa's core portfolio or spin off into new ventures.
5. Establish operational structures to support long-term growth and commercialization.

What You Can Expect

1. A high-impact role with direct responsibility for shaping future business opportunities.
2. Collaboration with leading experts in R&D, startups, and industry partners.
3. A dynamic, entrepreneurial environment within a corporate innovation framework.
4. The opportunity to drive innovation from concept to market success.

Minimum Requirements

1. PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
2. 5+ years of experience in business development, technology commercialization, or corporate innovation.
3. Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for disruptive technologies and emerging markets.
4. Proven experience in open innovation and building partnerships with research institutes and startups.
5. Strong technical background combined with a business-oriented approach.
6. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
7. Willingness to travel (~25%).