Senior Technical Business Development Manager - Bonding & Debonding on Demand (m/f/d)

As a Senior Technical Business Development Manager, you will lead the Bonding & Debonding on Demand cluster, focusing on advanced adhesive technologies with controllable bonding capabilities. This role emphasizes polymer physics and engineering, with the goal of developing and commercializing reversible bonding solutions based on dynamic polymer systems or shape/phase changing materials, which enable repeated adhesion and debonding, similar in function to reversible fasteners.

Responsibilities

Technology & Market Exploration (0–6 months)

• Identify and evaluate early-stage technologies that align with tesa’s strategic focus.
• Conduct market research, trend analysis, and competitive intelligence to assess commercial potential.
• Develop proof-of-concept business cases and validate key assumptions through rapid experimentation.
• Build and nurture relationships within the global innovation ecosystem, including accelerators, innovation hubs, and academic consortia.
• Conduct in-depth technology landscaping and trend analysis to identify high-potential opportunities for tesa.
• Initiate exploratory partnerships and feasibility assessments with external innovators.

Incubation & Business Model Validation (6–18 months)

• Oversee co-development of minimum viable products (MVPs) and proof-of-concept projects with R&D and external partners, integrating feedback from the innovation ecosystem.
• Prioritize and manage a portfolio of early-stage projects based on technical readiness and strategic fit.
• Define business models and commercialization pathways in collaboration with innovation partners.
• Secure and manage strategic collaborations with technology providers and research organizations

Scaling & Business Growth (18+ months)

• Drive the scaling and integration of validated technologies into tesa’s portfolio or support spin-off ventures.
• Establish and maintain a robust external innovation pipeline for continuous access to emerging technologies.
• Secure investments and resources to accelerate the industrialization and commercialization of new solutions.
• Mentor team members and foster a culture of open innovation and technical excellence within the squad.

• PhD in Polymer Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science or related field is a must-have. A MBA would be desirable.
• Extensive experience in open innovation, technology scouting, and building partnerships with research institutes, universities, and startups
• Proven track record of discovering and maturing early-stage technologies not yet available in the market including developing business plans and working with lead customers.
• Deep understanding of polymer physics, engineering principles, and reversible bonding mechanisms.
• Strong technical understanding to communicate effectively with R&D and innovation partners.
• Excellent networking, communication, and project management skills.
• Fluent in English.

tesa is one of the world's leading manufacturers of adhesive tape solutions, with a range of more than 7,000 products. With passion for technology, we drive innovation, reliability, and sustainability to shape a better future.

Our solutions make a difference in the work, products, and lives of our customers across a variety of industries, including Automotive, Electronics, and Home applications. With this, we address a broad segment of business customers, but also you as a private consumer.

You might be surprised to discover the many places where our adhesive solutions are at work, from the battery in your electric car, to the display of your mobile phone, and even in the elevator in your building. Wherever you look, you'll find tesa - holding the world together since more than 125 years.