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 across DeFi and fintech. We're hiring a Business Development Team Lead with a proven track record leading BD/partnerships teams. You'll define and execute our BD strategy, build and mentor a growing team, and personally own some of our highest-value relationships.

This role is hands-on and high-visibility: you combine strategic thinking with flawless execution and translate technical concepts into crisp business value for partners, from consumer fintech apps to institutional players and DeFi protocols.

• Build and lead the BD team: hire, coach, set goals, and drive performance

• Own BD strategy: prioritize high-impact opportunities and scalable processes

• Win partnerships with consumer fintech apps, institutional players, and DeFi protocols

• Close complex deals: manage RFPs, multi-stakeholder negotiations, and executive relationships

• Create sales enablement: decks, narratives, and materials that translate technical concepts to business value

• Report and optimize: track metrics, surface insights to product, and iterate

• Represent CoW DAO at events; manage BD budget

• Proven BD leader: you've managed teams, hired, coached, and set strategy

• Enterprise sales expert: track record selling into large fintechs/institutions with complex cycles

• Excellent communicator: you translate technical DeFi concepts into clear business outcomes

• Hands-on operator: you lead and execute deals yourself

• Strategic and data-driven: you prioritize for maximum impact

• Quick learner: curious about DeFi, comfortable in remote/decentralized environments

• Consumer fintech or institutional finance experience

• Understanding of intents, MEV, AMM design

• Sales enablement and budget management experience

• 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