Business Development Partner, Strategic Accounts & Channel Partners

A Moving Experience. Cerence is seeking a Business Development Partner to drive revenue growth through direct customer engagement and channel partner relationships. This role will focus on identifying, developing, and closing customer opportunities while supporting and expanding Cerence's distributor network. The ideal candidate is a customer-facing sales professional who can manage the entire opportunity lifecycle, from lead qualification and discovery through proposal development, negotiation, and deal closure. The role will also serve as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring strong engagement, pipeline development, and execution of joint business activities.

Key Responsibilities Direct Customer Engagement & Revenue Growth (50%)

• Own and manage a portfolio of direct customer opportunities across Cerence's non-automotive businesses.
• Conduct customer discovery sessions to understand business needs and technical requirements.
• Develop and deliver customer presentations, product demonstrations, and solution proposals.
• Coordinate with Product Management, Engineering, and Solutions teams to develop customer offerings.
• Prepare quotations, commercial proposals, and statements of work.
• Manage sales opportunities through the entire customer lifecycle, including negotiation and deal closure.
• Maintain accurate pipeline forecasting and CRM updates.
• Identify upsell and expansion opportunities within existing accounts.

Distributor & Channel Partner Management (30%)

• Serve as the day-to-day business lead for assigned distributors and reseller partners.
• Conduct regular pipeline reviews and business planning discussions.
• Support distributor enablement activities, including product training and sales support.
• Organize and execute two distributor workshops annually.
• Assist in the recruitment and onboarding of new channel partners, with emphasis on North American growth.
• Coordinate joint customer pursuits and co-selling opportunities with distributors.

Market Development & Events (10%)

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