Senior Business Development

Reporting to Director, Client Engagement and Strategic Partnership, the Senior Business Development personnel play a critical role in expanding HCLI’s brand presence, building strategic partnerships, and driving sustainable revenue growth. This role involves cultivating relationships with senior leaders, multinational corporations, government agencies, and ecosystem partners to position HCLI as a leading institution in leadership development.

Key accountabilities include:

Client Engagement & Partnerships

• Manage and grow existing client relationships, while identifying and fostering new opportunities with senior business leaders.

• Expand HCLI’s presence in senior business and HR circles through networking, external conferences, forums, and targeted partnerships.

• Enhance branding alignment and visibility by showcasing ecosystem partners’ commitment through association with HCLI and its mission.

• Build strong relationships with multinational corporations, government agencies, and private enterprises, navigating internal structures to secure funding and sponsorships.

• Provide market intelligence and insights to inform programme design, thought leadership, and research positioning.

• Work closely with the programmes team to ensure fulfilment of client and sponsor obligations as outlined in contracts.

Business Development & Sales Strategy

• Develop and execute business development strategies to drive sponsorships, partnerships, and programme enrolments.

• Define clear targets for sponsorships, programme enrolments, and partnerships, and establish plans to achieve them.

• Identify new markets, sectors, and business opportunities to expand HCLI’s reach and impact.

• Benchmark HCLI’s penetration and brand positioning against competitors.

• Source for funding across multiple channels within large organisations.

• Lead and oversee outreach activities to attract senior leaders to HCLI programmes.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications or related field

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in business development, corporate partnerships, etc.

• Proven track record of developing sales strategies and achieving revenue growth through corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and programme sales.

• Strong network among senior leaders, multinational corporations, government agencies, and industry associations.

• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with the ability to navigate complex organisations and influence senior decision-makers.

• Deep knowledge of business development, sales, and partnership models.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience in pricing, revenue forecasting, and budget management.

• Ability to design and execute strategic sales plans that deliver measurable outcomes.

• Knowledge of brand positioning and sponsorship best practices.

• Strong planning, coordination, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills (oral and written), with confidence to engage senior leaders in meaningful, strategic conversations.

• Agile, adaptable, and flexible in responding to dynamic client and market needs.

• Regional or international business development experience is an advantage.