Managing Director (gn) Business Development und Strategie

Three years ago, we made a bet: healthier founders build better companies. Instead of just repeating that as a slogan, we set out to test it. VANTAGE is what came out of that: a 100-day leadership and performance program combining executive coaching, physiological diagnostics, data-based performance coaching, and immersive retreats. Results are measured before and after. Four cohorts later, we have the data, an experienced five-person team, and a strong network of coaches and experts. VANTAGE is part of a €1M+ project backed by EU and federal funding. Now we're at a turning point. Funding runs through June 2027 and covers one final VANTAGE cohort. With our Co-Founder and Managing Director going on parental leave, we're looking for someone to take over.

Managing Director – Growth & Partnerships

Berlin (hybrid) | 🕒 39h/week | €5,000 gross/month | Start: November 1, 2026 | Apply by September 30, 2026 | Fluent German & English

Your Mission

Fill our final VANTAGE cohort. Run the company well. And help shape what Accelerate Health becomes beyond the grant. Our Program Lead owns program delivery. You own what sits around it: growth, partnerships, people, finances, and full accountability as Managing Director. You'll have real autonomy to run it.

What you’ll Own

Grow VANTAGE & our ecosystem

• Fill our final cohort and own the pipeline, from first conversation to confirmed participation

• Build relationships with VCs, accelerators, founder networks, SMEs, and corporates

• Drive acquisition through partnerships, referrals, outreach, LinkedIn, and events

• Lead commercial and partner conversations yourself

• Work closely with our Marketing & Community Manager on acquisition and community activation

This is a hands-on role: you'll set direction and execute.

Run the company

• Lead our five-person team, working closely with the Program Lead, who owns program delivery

• Own company strategy, priorities, and OKRs

• Own budget, liquidity, and financial planning

• Carry the legal and employer responsibility that comes with being Managing Director

• Represent Accelerate Health externally

Accounting, payroll, and tax are supported by established external providers. The Program Lead owns project delivery, project budget, and substantive grant reporting. The shareholders remain available as strategic sparring partners and for defined governance decisions; day to day, you run the company.

Build what comes next

We've already explored several paths beyond June 2027: corporate and B2B formats, partnerships, additional funding, and new applications of VANTAGE.

You'll build on three years of research, relationships, data, and program experience. Take the most promising ideas, test them in the market, and build on what works.

If we build something worth continuing and you want to take it forward, we're open to discussing long-term leadership and ownership.

• You've built partnerships, pipelines, or client relationships, and enjoyed doing it

• You've led people and are ready for full Managing Director responsibility

• You're comfortable with budgets, liquidity, and the economics of a small company

• You can credibly talk to founders, CEOs, VCs, corporates, and public funders

• You're fluent in German and English and can be regularly present in Berlin

• You meet the requirements to be employed and registered for social security in Germany, as well as the legal requirements for appointment as Managing Director

• You're genuinely curious about leadership, health, and human performance

Previous founder or MD experience helps, but isn't strictly required. This could be your step up from owning a function or a team to running the company. If you're looking for an established operation or a large team to delegate to, this probably isn't it.

• This is a chance to step into a functioning, funded company, and shape what it becomes next.
• You'll work closely with coaches, psychologists, and experts at the intersection of science-backed leadership development and data-based performance coaching. You'll also have access to VANTAGE retreats, physiological diagnostics (WHOOP, 48-hour ECG, HeartMath), and your own coaching and development budget.
• We work with openness, low ego, and direct communication. We care about outcomes, not who's online when, and you can work remotely for up to three months a year.
• The role is funded through June 2027. If we build a compelling path beyond that, we're open to continuing it together.