Head of Strategic Business Development

Company Overview

Cast AI is a leading platform specializing in Application Performance Automation (APA®), dedicated to helping businesses automate cloud operations effectively and at scale. By seamlessly embedding autonomous decision-making within Kubernetes and AI infrastructure, it continuously enhances performance, reliability, and operational efficiency, removing the need for manual infrastructure management. Trusted by over 2,100 organizations including industry leaders such as Akamai, BMW, Cisco, and more, Cast AI operates globally across 34 countries and attained unicorn status in 2026.

Role Summary

The Head of Strategic Business Development at Cast AI is pivotal for seizing new high-impact growth opportunities that extend beyond traditional GTM strategies. This hands-on, business-building role requires developing and nurturing senior-level strategic partnerships and executive relationships across diverse departments including Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and leadership. Ownership of opportunities spans from inception to commercial realization, eventually transitioning validated programs to designated long-term owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent Cast AI at key industry conferences, executive forums, and partner meetings to foster strategic external engagements.
• Forge and maintain executive relationships across the cloud and AI ecosystems.
• Discover and prioritize opportunities that enhance market presence, product positioning, create innovative routes to market, or unlock new revenue streams.
• Convert initial dialogues into well-defined customer value propositions, business models, and strategic cases.
• Assess opportunities based on strategic alignment, value creation, financial potential, feasibility, required investments, timeframes, and execution likelihood.
• Lead the strategic business development process through agreements, coordinating internal teams such as Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Partnerships.
• Incubate and launch new strategic programs including cross-functional plans, product integrations, joint solutions, pilots, co-selling, and market activation efforts.
• Navigate and resolve internal obstacles, sustain momentum through ambiguity, and evaluate the substantive impact of initiatives.
• Document and hand off mature programs to permanent owners with clear governance, economic models, and external relationship frameworks.

Candidate Profile

• 10-15+ years of experience in Strategic Business Development, Partnerships, Alliances, Enterprise Technology, or related commercial leadership positions.
• Substantial exposure to cloud infrastructure, AI, developer tools, enterprise software, or a similarly sophisticated B2B technology landscape.
• Proven ability to originate, structure, negotiate, and steer strategic alliances from inception to completion.
• Experience collaborating with C-suite, product, technical, and commercial executives directly.
• Strong commercial acumen including business case analysis and partnership economics expertise.
• Technical proficiency to engage credibly with Product and Engineering teams.
• Track record of aligning multiple internal functions and external parties in fast-growing environments.
• Capable of independently managing complex analyses, relationship-building, negotiations, and program developments without large teams.
• Executive presence and credibility to represent the company confidently in high-profile external settings.
• Willingness to undertake approximately 30-50% global travel.

Preferred Backgrounds

Senior partner development or alliances roles at hyperscalers, strategic business development within AI or AI infrastructure firms, or roles in rapidly expanding infrastructure software companies are highly valued. Experience bridging large tech platforms and growth-stage enterprises is particularly advantageous.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package with expected OTE between $275,000 and $300,000 USD plus significant equity participation.
• Opportunity to hold a crucial strategic position at one of the fastest-growing infrastructure software firms globally.
• Direct collaboration with Cast AI's executive leadership on initiatives shaping company direction.
• Network-building with influential players in the global cloud and AI industries.
• Flexible, globally remote-first work environment.
• 401(k) retirement plan with full company matching up to 6% of pay (available after three months).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for US employees through UnitedHealthcare.
• Professional development budget to support ongoing learning and growth.
• Team-building funds and regular company gatherings.
• Equipment allowance ensuring optimal work setup.

Recruitment Process

• Initial screening call with recruiter.
• Interview with hiring manager.
• One to two additional interviews as required by the role.
• Culture fit interview with a Cast AI executive.
• Final background check via third-party.

Additional Information

Visa sponsorship or work permit support is not provided for this position.