Business Development Manager/Director-Data Partnerships.

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Business Development Manager / Director – Data Partnerships based in India.

We are looking for an experienced business development professional to drive strategic data partnerships supporting AI training and evaluation projects. In this senior, freelance position, you will identify, develop, and secure commercial relationships with organizations able to provide valuable datasets, operational documentation, and real-world workplace video data. You will leverage your professional network and enterprise relationships to engage key decision-makers and negotiate strategic agreements. The role offers significant autonomy, with responsibility for managing the entire partnership acquisition cycle, from prospecting and outreach to negotiation and deal closure. You will collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful partner onboarding, data delivery, and compliance with relevant legal and privacy requirements. This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of AI capabilities while building a diverse portfolio of international data partnerships.

Accountabilities

• Identify, prospect, and develop qualified business opportunities for data partnerships across international markets and relevant industries.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with business owners, C-suite executives, founders, data owners, operations leaders, and other enterprise decision-makers.

• Source and secure partnerships with organizations capable of providing relevant datasets, business documentation, and real-world operational or workplace video data for AI training and evaluation.

• Develop partnership proposals, negotiate commercial terms, and structure mutually beneficial agreements.

• Manage the full business development lifecycle, from lead generation and initial outreach to negotiations, contract execution, and partnership closure.

• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospects, keep CRM records up to date, and provide regular progress reports.

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to support partner onboarding, data specifications, compliance requirements, and successful delivery.

• Verify that proposed partnerships comply with applicable data ownership, licensing, authorization, privacy, and contractual requirements.

• Develop scalable partnership acquisition strategies and expand the organization's network of data providers across international markets.

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in business development, enterprise sales, strategic partnerships, data licensing, or commercial deal-making, with experience levels ranging from senior manager to director.

• Proven track record of engaging senior executives, negotiating complex B2B agreements, and successfully closing high-value commercial partnerships.

• Strong existing professional networks across relevant industries and access to enterprise decision-makers are highly advantageous.

• Demonstrated expertise in prospecting, lead generation, negotiation, presentation, and strategic relationship management.

• Previous experience developing and managing international business partnerships.

• Ability to work independently, take ownership of business development activities, and manage a measurable sales pipeline.

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

• Familiarity with enterprise data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data licensing, technology services, or digital transformation is a strong advantage.

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is particularly desirable:

  • Enterprise business development and strategic partnerships.

  • AI, machine learning, and data services.

  • Data licensing, data marketplaces, and information services.

  • Corporate restructuring, insolvency, liquidation, or distressed-business transactions.

  • Enterprise SaaS, consulting, and technology partnerships.

  • Video production, workforce operations, or industrial data collection.

  • Commercial agreements involving sensitive business information.

  Benefits:

  • Compensation: Annual compensation indicated at INR 2,500,000–5,500,000, with the final arrangement subject to negotiation and agreed commercial terms.

  • Flexible engagement: Freelance / independent contractor arrangement.

  • Remote work: Fully remote position based in India, offering flexibility in how and where you organize your work.

  • Performance-based earnings: Potential commission or success fees linked to completed partnerships.

  • Flexible payment structures: Possibility of milestone-based payments, a negotiated retainer with performance incentives, or a mutually agreed hybrid arrangement.

  • Professional autonomy: Opportunity to independently manage business development activities and take ownership of strategic commercial relationships.

  • International exposure: Build partnerships across countries, industries, and organizations contributing data to AI development.

  • Career impact: Play a key role in expanding access to valuable real-world data for AI training and evaluation initiatives.