Business Development Manager

Our client is seeking a visionary leader with a passion for driving innovation and business growth. Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and accomplishments.

This is a full-time W-2, direct-hire role.

Founded as a leader in the airline industry, our client is a digitally advanced and profitable airline that consistently sets new standards through innovation and technology. With a guest‑centric approach and a focus on operational excellence, the company leverages advanced digital solutions to enhance the travel experience.

Its Silicon Valley Innovation Lab drives technological advancement and disruptive ideas, scouting and implementing cutting‑edge technologies to maintain a competitive edge in aviation.

As the Business Development Manager
, you will lead initiatives to drive innovation, strategic partnerships, and business growth with an investment focus. Reporting to the Managing Director of the Innovation Lab, you will oversee technology scouting, investment opportunities, and integration of new solutions, playing a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and enhancing operational efficiency.

• Facilitate initial meetings with 3rd parties and coordinate with business and technology stakeholders from HQ.
• Prepare business outcome analyses for potential tech solutions, assessing impacts on KPIs, operational performance, and ROI with relevant teams.
• Manage business development steps from NDA execution to PoC, technology adoption, or project initiation.
• Maintain records of business development activities and build a partner network for future initiatives.
• Lead Design Thinking workshops to explore new ideas or emerging technology needs.
• Develop and implement the company’s innovation strategy to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness.
• Identify and prioritize innovative opportunities in the aviation industry, including new technologies, business models, and customer experience enhancements.
• Identify strategic partnerships and alliances aligned with company objectives.
• Scout emerging technologies and startups, exploring collaborations to integrate solutions into operations.
• Source beneficial products, solutions, or base technologies from hubs, accelerators, industry networks, and major tech vendors.
• Seek early‑stage strategic investments for equity stakes and negotiate sweat equity arrangements with startups.
• Assess technology integration potential, recommending solutions or customizations for successful implementation.
• Evaluate 3rd‑party solutions to identify opportunities to develop new offerings or enhance existing products.
• Identify products/solutions with market potential and negotiate investment or commercial agreements, maintaining IPR and proprietary knowledge.
• Track major tech companies’ roadmaps, emerging technologies (AI, satellite connectivity, robotics), and other airlines’ tech focus areas to influence strategic direction.
• Report Innovation Lab progress, including partnerships, ecosystem engagement, PoCs, technology adoption, and communicate successes to HQ.
• Other related duties may be assigned from time to time.

• Proven experience in venture capital, corporate innovation, startup investments, or technology leadership, ideally in aviation or related industries.
• Expertise in emerging technology integration, including AI, big data, mobile, connectivity, etc.
• Strong skills in building partnerships, product thinking, and understanding business use cases.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Tech‑savvy with awareness of AI trends and the strategic direction of major tech companies.
• Experience leading diverse teams and delivering measurable business impact through innovative solutions.
• Skilled in technology program management, IT solutions, and information security/compliance.

• BSc in Engineering, Computer Science, or relevant field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in business development, corporate innovation, technology integration, or related roles.
• Proven track record in…