Business Development Team Lead

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.

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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, 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 partners—from 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.

• 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 AMM—to 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

Ready to Join the Herd?

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