Business Development Team Leader

About CoW DAO

CoW DAO is on a mission to protect Ethereum users from MEV and optimize trade execution across DeFi. We achieve this through the CoW Protocol, CoW Swap (a leading intent-based DEX aggregator), and the innovative MEV Blocker, which together help secure, aggregate, and route trades for optimal outcomes. We also fund values-aligned projects via the CoW Grants Program.

CoW Protocol is consistently ranked among the top DEX aggregators by monthly volume and is the largest intent-based exchange. Our MEV Blocker protects trades from harmful MEV extraction and is integrated across the Ethereum ecosystem. The CoW AMM is the only live AMM designed to protect liquidity providers from LVR (loss-versus-rebalancing).

With over 100 open-source repositories on GitHub , we're transparent, community-driven, and deeply committed to the open-source ethos. Our real-time Dune Analytics dashboard showcases billions in cumulative trading volume and a rapidly growing user base. As we continue to scale, CoW DAO remains at the forefront of DeFi innovation, prioritizing security, efficiency, and decentralization.

About the Role

Location : We are a fully remote team, and although we hire almost globally, there is a preference for this role to be based in Europe or remote + / - 4 hours CEST time

Please note we're not hiring from the US, Australia, or New Zealand

Position : Full-time contractor

Business Development is critical to expanding CoW DAO's reach and forging strategic partnerships that drive growth across the DeFi ecosystem.

We're looking for a Business Development Team Lead who combines a solid BD background with the ambition to step into a leadership role. This person will define and execute our BD strategy, manage and mentor a growing team, and personally own some of our highest-value relationships.

This is a high-profile role requiring a hands-on approach, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate technical concepts into compelling value propositions for diverse partnersfrom fintech giants to DeFi protocols.

If you're hungry for impact, experienced in enterprise or institutional BD, and excited to shape the future of DeFi, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Lead and manage CoW DAO's business development team, setting strategy, priorities, and scalable processes for growth

Identify and pursue partnership opportunities with :

Consumer-facing financial applications (wallets, neobanks, trading apps)

Institutional players (market makers, trading firms, fintechs)

Other DeFi protocols and ecosystem partners

Own and nurture key high-value relationships, maintaining active engagement and driving successful deal execution

Pitch CoW DAO's products; CoW Protocol, CoW Swap, MEV Blocker, and CoW AMMto partners, tailoring narratives for technical and non-technical audiences

Navigate complex enterprise sales processes, including managing RFPs, multi-stakeholder negotiations, and legal reviews

Develop sales enablement materials such as polished sales decks, target lists, and influence maps to support BD efforts

Track, analyze, and report on BD initiatives, both qualitatively and quantitatively

Bring insights from partners and market trends back to influence CoW DAO's product roadmaps

Represent CoW DAO at conferences, talks, and industry events to elevate our presence and forge connections

Appropriately manage a budget for travel, events, and business development activities

Mentor and coach team members, fostering skill development and cross-functional collaboration

Who You Are

Significant experience in business development, sales, or partnerships, ideally in larger fintech companies, DeFi, or Web3 ecosystems

Proven success selling solutions into large fintechs or institutional organizations, with experience managing complex sales cycles and RFP processes

Skilled at creating compelling narratives and translating technical concepts into business value for diverse audiences

Hands-on approach, you're excited to lead but equally willing to execute deals yourself

Strategic thinker who can prioritize opportunities for the highest impact

Collaborative mindset with a track record of mentoring, coaching, or managing teams

Comfortable navigating decentralized, remote environments with minimal oversight

A quick learner with genuine curiosity for DeFi and blockchain technology

Excellent communicator who builds trust quickly, adapts messaging to different stakeholders, and resolves conflicts diplomatically

Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment

Nice to Have

Experience working with consumer-facing fintech apps

Exposure to both institutional finance and DeFi, and the ability to bridge the two worlds

Strong understanding of technical concepts in blockchain and DeFi, such as intents, MEV, and AMM design

Background in creating sales enablement materials and influence maps

Demonstrated ability to facilitate productive discussions, mediate conflicts, and drive alignment across stakeholders

Familiarity with budget management for BD activities like conferences, partner events, and outreach campaigns

What We Can Offer You

Flexible work environment : Work remotely or join our Lisbon hub whenever you'd like

Token plan : Have a stake in our mission and shape the future of CoW DAO

Periodic gatherings : Meet teammates in person through regular team retreats

Conference allocation : Stay up to date with the latest in Web3 using our conference budget

Learning budget : Support for personal and professional development

Hardware budget : Get the tools you need to do your best work

Flat hierarchies : Enjoy more ownership and less bureaucracy

Flexible time off : Prioritize your work-life balance

Make an impact : Your contributions directly influence CoW DAO's direction and success

Growth : Take initiative, own projects, and accelerate your professional journey

Referral Program

Earn 5,000 USDC or USD with the refer-to-earn program. More details here .

Ready to Join the Herd?

Culture

Life within the CoW Protocol is an incredible adventure! We take pride in our collaborative approach, embracing autonomy and fostering a culture of big thinking and continuous growth. We value impact, ownership, simplicity, and team spirit. Plus, we're all about feedback, coming together, and enjoying the journey along the way!

At CoW Protocol, we strive to create a space where everyone feels included and empowered. We believe that our products and services benefit from our diverse backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants are considered for positions regardless of race, ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, marital status, gender identification, sexual orientation, or physical ability.