Business Development Manager

Company Description

FlexUp is transforming business creation, funding, and development through an innovative economic model, a dedicated business management app, and a robust network of partners.

Our unique economic model is designed to align the financial interests of all stakeholders, reducing conflicts and driving growth. The FlexUp app streamlines operations with flexible account structures, intuitive contract and product management, adaptable payment terms, and real-time financial tracking. Our growing network of partners offers essential resources for business growth, creating a collaborative and supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs to launch and scale their ventures.

Role Description

This is a full-time or part-time remote position for a Business Development Manager (BDM).

Your primary responsibility will be to create and develop a "FlexUp Hub" in your city or region, potentially in collaboration with other BDMs. A "FlexUp Hub" is a thriving local ecosystem of FlexUp users who actively engage with our platform and contribute to its local development.

Primary targets for FlexUp users include:

• Entrepreneurs: Active or aspiring entrepreneurs, and managers in startups and SMEs.
• Advisers: Professionals such as lawyers, accountants, tax & financial advisors interested in learning and recommending the FlexUp system to their clients.
• Freelancers: Designers, web/app developers, marketing & communication specialists, and others who can provide valuable services often needed by startups.
• Investors: Business angels, VCs, development agencies, banks, and other entities that can provide funding (equity, debt, or grants) to startups.
• Agencies: Public administrations that offer funding, fast-track administrative procedures, and institutional support to startups.
• Anchors: Existing networks and structures that engage with startups and potential entrepreneurs, such as incubators, coworking spaces, business schools, and alumni & entrepreneur networks.

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, building and maintaining strong client relationships, developing strategic partnerships, negotiating contracts, and coordinating effectively with FlexUp’s sales and marketing teams. Your responsibilities also include analysing market trends, incorporating feedback to refine business strategy, developing and presenting compelling proposals, and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction at every stage of the user journey.

Objectives

Year 1 Objectives:

Your primary objective in Year 1 is to significantly increase user sign-ups and establish key partnerships, driving up platform usage (measured by the number of transactions per account). This objective is supported by:

• A very generous free plan for the FlexUp app.
• Free access to valuable FlexUp tools, including contract frameworks and models.

You will be responsible for raising awareness about FlexUp in your region through targeted communication, active networking, and organizing engaging events.

Year 2 Objectives:

Your primary objective in Year 2 is to generate revenue from subscription fees for premium features and advisory services (provided in-house or through partners). This objective is supported by:

• A "freemium" model designed to naturally convert free users to paid users as their usage volume or feature needs grow.
• A flexible payment structure that enables startups with limited early-stage cash to consume advisory services by allowing them to pay all or part of the advisory fees in equity in their projects. This equity converts to revenue for FlexUp if and when their business becomes successful.

You will be responsible for ensuring that free users transition to paid users by helping them fully leverage the FlexUp ecosystem, including the economic model, app, and network.

Compensation

Your compensation will be paid using the FlexUp Economic Model – using a mix of “flex” and “credits” – so it is important that you understand this system well before accepting this position. You will thus become a FlexUp “Associate” and get a share of the profits of your local FlexUp Hub as well as of the global FlexUp project.

Your nominal remuneration will be linked to the traffic and revenue you generate within your local FlexUp Hub. This remuneration converts to cash based on the financial performance of the global FlexUp project and of your specific local FlexUp Hub.

In practical terms, this means that you will not be receiving any fixed cash remuneration initially. Therefore, you must be financially self-sufficient for at least 12 months, until the global and/or local FlexUp project generates sufficient cashflow to convert your credits into cash.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in business development, sales, and strategic partnerships.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in market analysis and financial forecasting.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Knowledge of business management software (ERP, accounting tools ) is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• Fluency in English is required, along with your local language.

Industry: Business Consulting and Services

Job Type: Full-time or Part-time, Remote

Screening Questions

• How many years of work experience do you have with entrepreneurship? (Required minimum: 10)
• Are you able to sustain yourself financially for up to 12 months until the FlexUp activity in your region generates sufficient revenues? (Ideal answer: Yes)
• Did you review the FlexUp remuneration system? Are you ready to be remunerated in FlexUp equity? (Ideal answer: Yes)