Business Development Director: Partnerships

About Lucidya Lucidya is one of the fastest-growing SaaS startups globally and the leading social media and customer intelligence platform focused on the Arabic language. By leveraging AI, machine learning, and big data, we help businesses across the MENA region understand and serve their customers better. Headquartered in Riyadh with offices in multiple countries, we are backed by some of the most reputable investors in the region and scaling rapidly to meet growing demand. Join the startup recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the region’s most promising ventures, and be part of the history we’re making. Why This Role Matters Lucidya’s growth depends on strategic partnerships that unlock access to new clients and markets. The Business Development Director will define and execute a partnership strategy that drives revenue and strengthens our competitive position. This is not a typical sales role. You will identify the right partners, negotiate deals, and create scalable programs that open doors for Lucidya’s Sales teams. Your work will directly impact the company’s growth trajectory, and you’ll be shaping the way we partner with governments, enterprises, and leading tech companies in the region. What You’ll Do Drive High-Impact Partnerships: Identify, approach, and secure partnerships that open access to multiple clients or ecosystems. Build and maintain relationships with key industry, technology, and government partners. Design partnership offerings that are valuable, scalable, and aligned with Lucidya’s products. Enable Sales and Revenue Growth: Work closely with Sales teams to convert partnership opportunities into revenue. Provide strategic support, proposals, and frameworks that help partners sell or adopt Lucidya solutions. Set measurable goals for partnership-driven revenue and pipeline contributions. Build Systems and Pipelines: Establish processes to track, maintain, and expand partnership pipelines. Maintain a repository of deals, contacts, and opportunities for repeatable success. Market Intelligence and Creativity: Stay ahead of trends in SaaS, B2B, and tech ecosystems. Analyze competitor partnerships and market gaps to inform your strategy. Bring creative solutions to complex business problems and design mutually beneficial agreements. Leadership and Mentorship: Mentor the existing Business Development team (currently one senior executive). Define how the team grows as business needs evolve. Establish a culture of accountability, creativity, and strategic thinking within the team. Requirements Who You Are Experienced: You have at least 10 years in business development or strategic partnerships, ideally in B2B SaaS, with proven experience leading teams and closing high-value, long-term deals. Strategic & Creative: You understand the tech landscape and bring innovative approaches to building partnerships that scale. Relationship-Oriented: Your network and ability to engage C-level stakeholders and government entities set you apart. Results-Focused: You obsess over measurable outcomes like revenue, pipeline growth, and partner retention. Culturally Aligned: You are collaborative, proactive, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-moving startup. Flexible & Mobile: You are willing and able to travel to meet partners, attend events, and close deals in person. Preferred: Saudi nationals are highly preferred due to government and regional engagement requirements. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field (Master’s preferred). 10+ years of relevant experience in business development, partnerships, or indirect sales roles. Deep understanding of B2B SaaS, enterprise sales, and partner ecosystems. Exceptional negotiation, contract management, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable business outcomes through partnerships. What the Hiring Process Will Look Like Initial Screening: Conversation with Talent Acquisition to review experience and alignment. Leadership Interview: Meet with Chief Commercial Officer to discuss strategy and approach. Case Study / Presentation: Develop a partnership strategy or proposal relevant to Lucidya’s business. Final Interview: Discussion with executive leadership to confirm fit and strategic vision. Offer: Compensation includes base salary, ESOPs, and benefits.