Business Development Executive

About the Role

IBM Global Sales brings together innovation, teamwork, and deep expertise to help organizations tackle complex challenges. In this position, you will work across industries and regions, partnering with teammates, customers, and ecosystem partners to design solutions that support digital transformation and create meaningful impact. The environment is built around curiosity, empathy, and collaboration, with strong onboarding, ongoing learning, and a culture that supports career growth.

Role Summary

As a Business Development Leader, you will own strategic opportunities that require long-term engagement and inventive structuring of non-traditional business models and partnerships. The role is focused on positioning IBM as a trusted partner in AI and digital transformation, while building both measurable and strategic value through creative deal design and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and develop strategic partnerships by combining IBM Technology, Consulting, and Research to design innovative business models that support growth in AI and digital transformation.
• Strengthen IBM’s market position by shaping partnerships that deliver both direct and indirect value and reinforce trust with clients and partners.
• Spot repeatable patterns and expansion opportunities that can be scaled across different industries and markets.
• Own long-horizon business development efforts that convert strategic opportunities into revenue growth through fresh partnership models.
• Work closely with internal teams to align IBM capabilities and expertise with growth opportunities in AI and digital transformation.
• Lead early market-shaping efforts by identifying emerging opportunities and helping position IBM as a strategic partner before formal deal stages begin.
• Design and execute transformative initiatives that help IBM stand out in emerging areas such as Sovereign AI and maintain long-term relevance.
• Turn custom pilots and innovation-led partnerships into repeatable growth engines that can be expanded across the regional go-to-market framework.
• Coordinate across leadership, sales, consulting, and technology teams to move initiatives from planning to delivery with accountability and discipline.
• Engage enterprises, startups, and industry stakeholders to build ecosystem partnerships that accelerate adoption of IBM solutions.

Required Experience and Expertise

• Background in business development, strategic alliances, management consulting, investment banking, or the technology venture ecosystem, with emphasis on AI, data, and automation.
• Ability to partner with technical teams to position AI, Data, Automation, and Hybrid Cloud offerings within partnership discussions.
• Strong experience working with senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders to manage complex deals and collaborations.
• Capability to lead multifaceted programs and influence stakeholders across global, matrixed organizations, including C-level leaders.
• Experience building scalable partnership models, negotiating unusual or first-of-their-kind deals, and taking business development initiatives from pilot stage to maturity.
• Proven strength in orchestrating ecosystem partnerships across enterprises, startups, and industry participants.
• Advanced degree such as an MBA or an equivalent qualification is preferred.
• Track record of leading cross-functional teams, building internal alignment, and managing relationships with country leadership and external stakeholders.
• Specialized knowledge of Enterprise AI and Cloud, along with familiarity with the Indian venture capital and digital-native landscape.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to handle ambiguity, shifting priorities, and organizational change across all levels.
• Experience converting innovation pilots into scalable programs and repeatable growth frameworks.

Education

Master's degree preferred.