📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Business Development & Partnerships Lead (NL 🇳🇱)
🔹 Company: Qonto
🔹 Location: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
🔹 Job Type: Employee of Record (EOR)
🔹 Category: Financial Services
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-02
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Establishing and growing strategic partnerships to accelerate Qonto's expansion in the Netherlands market
- Conducting comprehensive market research to identify and map strategic partnership opportunities
- Building and managing a robust partnership pipeline with a target of signing several strategic partnerships
- Leading end-to-end partnership negotiations from initial outreach through contract signing
- Driving brand building initiatives through partnership channels to increase Qonto's visibility in the Netherlands business ecosystem
- Collaborating cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, and Sales teams to ensure partnership integrations align with business objectives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the Dutch business landscape. The ideal candidate will have experience in business development, partnerships, or strategic alliances within banking, fintech, SaaS, or consulting.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Establish and grow strategic partnerships to accelerate Qonto's expansion in the Netherlands market
✅ Conduct comprehensive market research to identify and map strategic partnership opportunities in the Dutch market
✅ Build and manage a robust partnership pipeline with a target of signing several strategic partnerships
✅ Lead end-to-end partnership negotiations from initial outreach through contract signing
✅ Drive brand building initiatives through partnership channels to increase Qonto's visibility in the Netherlands business ecosystem
✅ Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, and Sales teams to ensure partnership integrations align with business objectives
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and thrive in an ambiguous environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field
Experience: 3-4+ years in business development, partnerships, or strategic alliances, ideally within banking/fintech, SaaS, or consulting
Required Skills:
- Native-level Dutch speaker with excellent English proficiency
- Understanding of the Dutch business landscape and B2B relationship navigation
- Strategic thinking and ability to identify mutually valuable partnership opportunities
- Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in ambiguous environments
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the financial services industry
- Knowledge of the Qonto product suite
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in Business, Finance, or a related field is preferred, Qonto values skills and experience over formal education. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in business development or partnerships and a strong understanding of the Dutch business landscape.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €60,000 - €80,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level business development role in the Netherlands)
Benefits:
- Remote work policy
- Availability of co-working space for meetings
- Competitive salary and paid leave package
- Stock-option packages to share in Qonto's success
- Public transportation reimbursement (part or global)
- A great health insurance
- Employee well-being initiatives: access to Moka Care to take care of mental health and great offers for sports and wellness activities
- A progressive disability and parenthood policy and childcare benefits with selected partners
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours and the option to work remotely
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level business development role in the Netherlands. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Financial Services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 2016
Company Description:
- Qonto is the finance solution that creates the freedom for SMEs to succeed in business, and beyond.
- Qonto's international team is growing fast, and they are actively hiring!
- Hundreds of thousands of customers in Europe are already using Qonto.
Company Specialties:
- Fintech
- SaaS
- Banking
- UX/UI
- Framework Js
- GO
- Company creation
Company Website: http://qonto.com
ASSUMPTION: Qonto is a rapidly growing fintech company with a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. The company's international team and active hiring efforts indicate a dynamic and expanding work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior-level business development role with opportunities for growth and advancement
Reporting Structure: The Business Development & Partnerships Lead (NL) will report directly to the Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager, Stefanie Dorster.
Work Arrangement: Remote OK with flexible hours and the option to work from Qonto's co-working space in Amsterdam
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding Qonto's partnership ecosystem in the Netherlands market
- Potential to take on a leadership role as Qonto's partnership team grows
- Opportunities to collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to Qonto's overall success
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential as Qonto expands its partnership ecosystem in the Netherlands market. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to take on a leadership role and contribute to Qonto's overall success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Co-working space in Amsterdam with the option to work remotely
Office Location(s): 18, Rue de Navarin, Paris, Île-de-France 75009, FR; Via Meravigli, Milan, Lombardy 20123, IT; Carrer de Pau Claris, 79, Barcelona, Catalonia 08010, ES; Warschauer Platz 11-13, Berlin, 10245, DE; and a co-working space in Amsterdam
Geographic Context:
- The Netherlands is a major European market with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
- Amsterdam, the capital and largest city in the Netherlands, is a major financial hub and a popular destination for international businesses
- The Netherlands has a highly skilled workforce and a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours and the option to work remotely
ASSUMPTION: The Netherlands is a major European market with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, making it an ideal location for Qonto's expansion. Amsterdam, the capital and largest city in the Netherlands, is a major financial hub and a popular destination for international businesses, providing a supportive environment for Qonto's growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition Manager
- Interview with the hiring manager, Stefanie Dorster
- Remote exercise to demonstrate skills and give a taste of working at Qonto
- Final interview with the hiring manager and/or other stakeholders
Key Assessment Areas:
- Language proficiency in Dutch and English
- Understanding of the Dutch business landscape and B2B relationship navigation
- Strategic thinking and ability to identify mutually valuable partnership opportunities
- Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in ambiguous environments
- Cultural fit with Qonto's values and work environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the Dutch business landscape and your approach to strategic partnerships
- Demonstrate your ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment and your entrepreneurial mindset
- Showcase your cultural fit with Qonto's values and work environment
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Partnerships, Strategic Alliances, Market Research, Negotiation, Brand Building, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Dutch Business Landscape, B2B Relationships, Strategic Thinking, Entrepreneurial Mindset
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's language proficiency, understanding of the Dutch business landscape, strategic thinking, and cultural fit with Qonto's values and work environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable using CRM software, project management tools, communication and collaboration tools, and data analysis and visualization tools to manage partnerships and track progress.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer focus: Prioritize customers in everything you do
- Ownership: Own your part, get things done
- Teamwork: Make (team)work easy
- Mastery: Continuously raise the bar
- Integrity: Always do what’s right, and respect people
Work Style:
- Data-driven approach to decision-making
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Focus on continuous learning and improvement
- Strong commitment to customer satisfaction and success
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you prioritize customers in your decision-making process?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative and inclusive work environment?
- Do you have a strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement?
- Are you passionate about helping customers succeed?
ASSUMPTION: Qonto values candidates who align with their company values and work style. Successful candidates will prioritize customers, collaborate effectively, continuously learn and improve, and demonstrate a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Establishing strategic partnerships in a new market can be challenging and time-consuming
- Navigating the Dutch business landscape may require a deep understanding of local customs and regulations
- Working remotely may present unique challenges and require strong self-motivation and time management skills
- Managing multiple partnerships simultaneously may require strong organizational skills and attention to detail
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to overcome these challenges by leveraging their strategic thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, and strong organizational skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Business Development Manager or Strategic Partnerships Manager, but with a focus on the Netherlands market
- Unlike other roles, this position requires native-level Dutch language proficiency and a deep understanding of the Dutch business landscape
- Career progression in this role may involve taking on a leadership role as Qonto's partnership team grows
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on the Netherlands market and its requirement for native-level Dutch language proficiency. Successful candidates will have a strong understanding of the Dutch business landscape and a proven track record of success in business development or partnerships.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting market research to identify strategic partnership opportunities in the Dutch market
- Building and managing a partnership pipeline with a target of signing several strategic partnerships
- Leading end-to-end partnership negotiations from initial outreach through contract signing
- Driving brand building initiatives through partnership channels to increase Qonto's visibility in the Netherlands business ecosystem
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the key responsibilities of the Business Development & Partnerships Lead (NL) role and provide insight into the day-to-day tasks and priorities of the position.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into Qonto's overall partnership strategy, and what are the key milestones for success?
- What are the biggest challenges facing Qonto's expansion into the Netherlands market, and how can this role address them?
- How does Qonto support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What is the work environment like at Qonto, and how does this role fit into the company's culture?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help candidates better understand the role's priorities, challenges, and opportunities for professional development and growth.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for your interview by researching Qonto's mission, values, and partnership strategy
- Be ready to discuss your approach to strategic partnerships and your understanding of the Dutch business landscape
- Follow up with the hiring manager, Stefanie Dorster, within 48 hours after your interview to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
