Business/AI Development Manager

My esteemed client is currently looking to bring on a new Business/AI Development manager. This position reports directly to the Director of Sales. This new role leads the effort by paving the way and after some time bringing over and developing a book of business that will continue to drive revenue. This standalone seller is assigned AI workloads working with my client's customers and partners to enable and accelerate their AI strategy to our platform. You and the Team will lead to help customers derive value through their AI projects.This role will be a remote position with the ability to travel to clients on as needed basis. You will work with a team of highly specialized and technical professionals within my client's Customer and Executive Organization who work with customers to enable some of the most complex and innovative solutions, providing differentiated technical leadership guidance along the way.RESPONSIBILITIES:• Builds and transforms new markets and identify and capitalize and lead transformational shifts in our customers by maintaining a customer and partner network and build credibility as a domain ‘thought-leader' representing my client in events• Bring an active business network; Drives increased customer value by coaching sellers through the process of identifying and qualifying Azure AI/ML/Cognitive services, and advanced workload opportunities.• Drive adoption of AI strategies, resources, and best practices to develop and drive these engagements leading to customer value.• Effectively drive customer readiness and planning for the cloud journey• Sales Execution• Brings impactful market insights into customer engagements and helps close deals with customers.• Provides direction/guidance on the development of solutions across regions• Promote best practice sharing across geographies and functions for Azure and Azure AI• Develops strategies to position my client's products, solutions, and/or services against competitors• Builds and transforms new markets by leveraging technical and industry expertise, partners, and resourcesServe as a strong customer advocate, working internally to align my client's project plans, support, and commercial offers with customer needs. Gather account specific data to identify and quantify opportunities for my client's products and solutions, including the long-term commercial outlook accruing from a close relationship with my client. This includes, as appropriate: defining the problem, scenario/use case, cost-benefit analysis, competitive landscape and strategy, and commercial strategy. Structure commercial offers and win new business, consistently achieving targets and growing aggregate revenue across assigned territories or named accounts. Maintain, communicate, and execute key account plans, and effectively secure cross-functional alignment for key initiatives and opportunities. Maintaining and grow internal network across Sales, Marketing, PLM, Engineering and Operations, providing real-time market feedback to drive product strategies, features, and roadmaps.QUALIFICATIONS:To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA, MSc) can be a plus.INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGEIn-depth understand of fiber optic technology, AI data centers, and networking solutions. Familiarity with data center infrastructure, cloud computing, and AI/ML technologies.EXPERIENCEMinimum of 5-7 years of experience in Data Center Architectural/Infrastructure Hardware Deployment for AI sales or account management, particularly in the telecommunications or data industry. Experience with all aspects of Fiber infrastructure components including fiber patch panels, fiber cables, transceivers, fiber connectors, and connected endpoints. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets in a similar environment.TECHNICAL SKILLSKnowledge of fiber optic installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Understanding of high-speed networking technologies and protocols (e.g., DWDM, SDN). Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.SALES EXPERTISESales AcumenStrong ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities.Expertise in developing and executing sales strategies and plans.Client Relationship ManagementExisting relationships within the AI Datacenter startup and legacy industry segment.Experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders.Ability to manage multiple accounts and meet client expectations.NEGOTIATION SKILLSProficiency in negotiating contracts, pricing, and terms to close deals successfully.Ability to balance customer needs with company objectives.INTERPERSONAL & COMMUNICATIONCommunication Skills:Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to present to diverse audiences, including C-suite level executives.Customer Service Orientation:Strong focus on customer satisfaction and experience.Ability to provide post-sales support and address client concerns promptly.Team CollaborationAbility to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product development, product management, and marketing.Collaborative mindset to work towards common goals.ANALYTICAL SKILLSStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to analyze market trends and customer needs to inform sales strategies.ADAPTABLITYFlexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and emerging technologies.Willingness to travel as needed to meet with clients and attend industry events.Ascendo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.