Business Development Manager

Ikigai School of AI is a leading AI skilling and transformation partner working across universities, enterprises, and government institutions. We design and deliver industry-aligned programs in Data Science, AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Digital Transformation, in collaboration with institutions such as E&ICT Academy IIT Kanpur and multiple PSUs, corporates, and universities across India.

We are now looking for a high-ownership Business Development Manager to drive partnerships, revenue growth, and large-scale institutional engagements.

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying opportunities, building partnerships, closing high-value deals, and expanding Ikigais footprint across Academia, Enterprise, and Government segments.

This is a revenue and relationship ownership role, not a lead-passing role.

• Identify and onboard new universities, corporates, PSUs, and government bodies
• Build strong relationships with CXOs, Deans, Directors, L&D Heads, and HR leaders
• Drive strategic partnerships, MoUs, and long-term programs

• Own the complete sales cycle: lead generation ? needs analysis ? proposal ? negotiation ? closure
• Pitch Ikigais offerings:
• AI literacy programs
• Corporate AI upskilling
• University degree-embedded programs
• Faculty development programs
• Enterprise AI transformation initiatives
• Close high-ticket programs (?5L to ?2Cr+ deals)

• Work closely with academic and delivery teams to:
• Design customized solutions
• Prepare proposals, budgets, and scope documents
• Present capability decks and pilots

• Act as the business owner for key accounts
• Drive renewals, expansions, and multi-year engagements
• Ensure smooth handover to delivery and long-term satisfaction

• Track market trends in AI skilling, enterprise L&D, and higher education
• Build new offerings based on client needs and government initiatives
• Represent Ikigai at conferences, university meets, and enterprise forums

• 38 years experience in Business Development / Partnerships / Enterprise Sales
• Experience in EdTech, Corporate Training, Consulting, SaaS, or Skill Development
• Strong capability in:
• Institutional sales
• Stakeholder management
• Solution selling
• Deal negotiation
• Excellent communication, presentation, and proposal skills

• Exposure to AI, Data Science, Digital Transformation, or Technology training
• Experience working with universities, PSUs, or government bodies
• Comfort handling long sales cycles and large-ticket programs

• Revenue closed per quarter
• Number of new institutional partnerships
• Average deal size
• Conversion rate (lead ? closure)
• Account expansion and renewals
• Strategic partnerships onboarded

• Opportunity to build nation-scale AI skilling initiatives
• Work with PSUs, top universities, and enterprise leadership
• High ownership and leadership visibility
• Fast-growing organization with strong credibility
• Competitive fixed + performance-linked incentives