Business Development Director - AI Services

This is a strategic opportunity to lead business development efforts for a dynamic technology services scale-up, focusing on data and AI solutions. As the Business Development Director, you will spearhead initiatives to drive new business, collaborating with clients across public and private sectors. Your leadership will guide a high-performing team of technologists, enabling transformative change through advanced data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy, identifying and nurturing a robust pipeline of AI service opportunities across key vertical markets (Financial Services, Commercial, Retail, Professional Services, and Public Sector).
• Collaborate with senior leadership and key alliance partners to design and implement impactful sales campaigns, including strategy reviews, workshops, and proof-of-concept initiatives.
• Drive engagement through networking, industry events, and relationship building, positioning the organization as a trusted advisor in the AI space.
• Deeply understand client challenges and requirements, leveraging consultative selling techniques to reframe opportunities and deliver tailored solutions.
• Play a critical role in shaping and enhancing the organization's value propositions, ensuring alignment with market demands and client needs.
• Oversee and refine sales operations processes, including planning, reporting, and the utilization of tools to enhance efficiency and transparency.
• Effectively communicate and pitch strategic offerings to client stakeholders, including C-level executives, and navigate complex sales cycles with finesse.
• Engage and mobilize internal stakeholders, bringing in senior management and subject matter experts to support the sales process and facilitate successful outcomes.
• Work closely with the sales teams to enhance digital presence, support social media initiatives, and represent the organization at industry events and conferences.

• Demonstrated success in service-based sales within the tech industry, particularly in a data/AI-focused consultancy, with a strong history of meeting and exceeding targets.
• Expertise in questioning and challenging clients' current strategies to drive innovative solutions and new business opportunities.
• In-depth experience throughout the business development lifecycle, from lead generation to complex negotiation and closing.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic alliances with major tier 1 companies, enhancing business opportunities.
• Strong professional presence with the ability to influence and engage C-level executives effectively.
• Exceptional skills in crafting proposals, delivering compelling presentations, and developing statements of work.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while achieving targets and deadlines.
• Proficient in using sales tools to drive process improvement and maintain clear dashboards for performance tracking.
• A positive, resilient approach to challenges, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

• Location: Home Based, with frequent travel to London and client sites.
• Salary Offered: £100k+ based on experience + Commission (up to £200k OTE) + Benefits.
• Start Date: ASAP
• Candidates must hold the right to reside and work in the United Kingdom without sponsorship.