What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Business Development Lead position at Korn Ferry?
We are seeking a Strategic Business Development Lead to drive new enterprise client acquisition through the sale of AI‑driven workflow and decision‑support solutions. This role is highly C‑suite focused and responsible for opening new strategic relationships, shaping executive‑level AI agendas, and converting complex opportunities into long‑term enterprise partnerships. Acting as a senior commercial leader, the role balances innovation with trust, governance, and value realization within large, established organizations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead new business development efforts focused on acquiring large, complex enterprise clients for AI‑driven solutions.
- Initiate and own C‑suite‑level engagement with CEOs, COOs, CIOs, CTOs, and other senior executives.
- Conduct consultative discovery to identify enterprise‑wide workflows where AI can deliver measurable impact.
- Serve as the primary commercial owner for high‑value, first‑time enterprise deals from initial engagement through close.
- Influence executive stakeholders by articulating AI value, adoption pathways, and long‑term business outcomes.
- Navigate complex, multi‑stakeholder buying environments involving technology, risk, procurement, and executive sponsors.
- Partner with internal AI, product, and solution teams to deliver credible, executive‑ready propositions.
- Deliver senior‑level presentations and strategic discussions that align AI solutions to organizational priorities.
- Develop targeted go‑to‑market strategies to penetrate new accounts and sectors.
- Establish repeatable new‑logo enterprise sales motions to support scalable growth.
Experience & Requirements
- At least 8 years’ experience in enterprise new‑business sales, ideally within large or global organizations.
- Proven success originating and closing complex, high‑value deals with C‑suite and senior executive buyers.
- Strong AI fluency, with the ability to clearly articulate AI concepts, use cases, benefits, and limitations.
- Demonstrated ability to influence executive adoption of AI solutions, including addressing trust, risk, and governance concerns.
- Experience selling AI‑enabled platforms, SaaS, or advanced digital solutions into established enterprises.
- Strong executive presence and credibility in senior‑level commercial and strategic discussions.
- Ability to translate complex AI capabilities into clear, outcome‑based business cases.
- Experience managing long, multi‑layered enterprise buying cycles.
- Collaborative approach with experience working across cross‑functional, matrixed teams.
- Strategic mindset, learning agility, and ongoing interest in enterprise AI trends and responsible adoption.