Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Position: Full-Time, Permanent

Take Flight in the Quantum Ecosystem.

Are you excited to help bring cutting-edge quantum technologies to the world by building partnerships, driving funding strategies, and shaping high-impact projects?

Join our flock of Sparrows as we build the future of quantum photonics, one photon (and partnership) at a time.

Sparrow Quantum is seeking a Strategic Partnerships & Project Lead to drive our engagement across industry, research, and innovation funding ecosystems. This role offers a unique opportunity to represent a leading quantum photonics company in a dynamic global landscape, working at the intersection of science, innovation, and collaboration.

About the Position

As Strategic Partnerships & Project Lead, you will shape and manage strategic relationships with partners, collaborators, and funding bodies that advance Sparrow Quantum’s mission. You will identify and develop opportunities across quantum computing and communication, coordinate complex innovation projects, and help steer Sparrow’s participation in national and European programs.

This is a senior, outward-facing role that combines strategic insight with operational fluency. You’ll represent Sparrow Quantum in high-level dialogues with business partners, policymakers, and consortium leaders — ensuring that resulting collaborations are strategically aligned with our technology roadmap and long-term goals.

You’ll work as part of a collaborative business team that connects external partnerships with internal execution — ensuring that visionary ideas become tangible, well-structured initiatives that advance the company and the broader quantum ecosystem.

This role demands both strategic and commercial acumen, coupled with a solid grasp of advanced quantum technologies. You’ll represent Sparrow Quantum’s leadership in strategic forums that call for diplomacy, technical understanding, and confident judgment.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnerships: Build, nurture, and manage relationships with industry, research, and institutional partners that advance Sparrow Quantum’s mission.

• Programs & Project Development: Shape and coordinate high-impact initiatives – from early concept to funded program – ensuring they align with Sparrow’s strategic roadmap and technical strengths.

• Funding Strategy: Identify and pursue national and European soft-funding opportunities; lead the development of compelling proposals and consortia.

• Representation & Influence: Represent Sparrow Quantum at conferences, partner meetings, and policy dialogues — often standing in for company leadership in strategic discussions.

• Strategic Alignment: Translate partnership and program opportunities into actionable initiatives that support Sparrow’s commercial and technological goals.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the business, technical, and project teams to ensure coherence, transparency, and shared ownership across all initiatives.

• Ecosystem Engagement: Strengthen Sparrow’s role in shaping the broader quantum ecosystem through thought leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.

Who You Might Be
You don’t need to tick every box to thrive in this role – we value diverse backgrounds and working styles.

• Strategic and Credible: You’re comfortable operating at the intersection of science, innovation, and business, representing a deep-tech company in senior-level conversations.

• Commercially Savvy: You can identify mutual value in partnerships, negotiate opportunities, and navigate the strategic dimensions of funding and collaboration.

• Scientifically Grounded: You bridge technology and strategy with ease – able to grasp complex quantum concepts, translate them for diverse audiences, and connect them to real-world opportunities.

• Diplomatic and Influential: You communicate with tact and clarity, earning trust from both researchers and executives.

• Proactive and Self-Driven: You anticipate opportunities, take initiative, and thrive in dynamic, evolving environments.

• Collaborative by Nature: You believe the best results come from cross-functional teamwork and shared ownership of success.

• Growth-Oriented: You’re excited by the chance to shape the quantum industry’s future and grow alongside a pioneering company.

Whether you’re a structured owl, a creative crow, or something in between, we welcome birds of all feathers.

Must-Have Skills

• Solid experience in partnership development, external relations, or business development – ideally in a deep-tech, research, or innovation setting

• Strong business acumen and ability to engage confidently in strategic and commercial dialogues

• Excellent communication and representation skills (written, spoken, and interpersonal)

• Familiarity with funding and innovation frameworks (Horizon Europe, Eurostars, IFD, EIC, etc.)

• Ability to connect high-level project ideas with partnership or funding opportunities and articulate a compelling case for collaboration

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience within quantum technologies, photonics, or related fields

• Established network in the European or global quantum ecosystem

• Understanding of commercialization pathways in hardware-based deep-tech or spinouts

Working Together

You’ll be part of a business team that works fluidly across internal and external projects – combining strategic development, project execution, and operational coordination. Everyone contributes to Sparrow Quantum’s broader goals, ensuring that great ideas turn into well-executed partnerships and impactful results.

No bird flies solo here – we’re building a business team that supports one another and our tech teams with equal ambition.

Why Sparrow Quantum?

• Passionate International Team – Join a group of committed professionals where your perspective and initiative have a direct impact

• Cutting-Edge Projects and Collaborators – Work with world-leading researchers and innovators to shape quantum technology's future

• Growth and Learning – Be part of a supportive culture with mentoring, knowledge sharing, and opportunities to evolve your role

• Career Progression – Grow into new areas as our partnerships and projects expand

• Inclusive Culture – We value diversity and prioritize employee well-being and flexibility

How to Apply

Scroll down to apply with your CV and a short cover letter. If you're curious, capable, and ready to take flight – we’d love to hear from you.

Application deadline: November 17, 2025

First (online) interviews will start on November 17, 2025.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an in-person interview at our Copenhagen office. Transportation and accommodation costs will be covered by Sparrow Quantum.

The ideal start date for this position would be in Q1 2026, but we will adjust to meet the availability of the right candidate.

We are based in Copenhagen and offer relocation support for the right candidate.

For further information, please contact Kurt Stokbro, CEO, at +45 51320610

About Sparrow Quantum

Sparrow Quantum is a Danish quantum technology company dedicated to advancing light-matter interfaces for quantum technologies. We are recognized globally for our high-performance single-photon sources and our foundational contributions to the quantum internet and quantum computing.