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MercorMercorSan Francisco, CA

Growth Partnerships Lead

Leads building and scaling external partnerships from 0-1, owning business development, deal closure, contract negotiations, and stakeholder management for data/AI initiatives. Requires 5+ years in BD/partnerships with proven deal-making experience.

160k – 180k
On-site5+ YOEPartnerships

About the role

What You’ll Do

Build Partnerships from Scratch (0 → 1)

  • Identify, outreach, design, and launch new partnership models with external organizations, networks, and institutions
  • Test and iterate on partnership structures before scaling what works
  • Create early frameworks and playbooks where none exist today

Business Development & Deal Ownership

  • Lead outbound and inbound partnership conversations end-to-end
  • Qualify partners, define mutual value, and drive deals to close
  • Structure commercial terms that align incentives and support long-term collaboration

Contracting & Negotiation

  • Own negotiations across pricing, scope, timelines, and obligations
  • Work closely with Legal and Finance to move quickly without sacrificing rigor
  • Balance speed, flexibility, and scalability in early-stage agreements

Stakeholder Management

  • Act as the primary point of contact for external partners and senior stakeholders
  • Manage complex, multi-party relationships with clarity and credibility
  • Align internal teams (Product, Research, Ops, Legal) around partnership priorities

Operate Scrappily, Then Systematize

  • Start hands-on: build lists, run outreach, draft docs, close deals yourself
  • Identify patterns and convert them into repeatable processes over time
  • Help shape the tools, metrics, and systems needed as the function scales

What We’re Looking For

Experience

  • 5+ years in Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, or Commercial Roles
  • Proven experience negotiating and closing contracts
  • Track record of managing high-stakes external stakeholders
  • Direct experience working with data products

Mindset & Skills

  • Builder mentality: excited by ambiguity and 0→1 problems
  • Scrappy, resourceful, and comfortable doing unglamorous work early
  • Strong commercial instincts and negotiation skills
  • Clear, concise communicator with executive presence
  • Able to operate independently while partnering closely with internal teams

Nice to Have

  • Experience in marketplaces, platforms, or high-growth startups
  • Exposure to data-driven products, AI, or technical stakeholders
  • Background working cross-functionally with legal and finance teams
  • Familiarity with compliance and data rights

Benefits

  • Generous equity grant vested over 4 years
  • A $20K relocation bonus (if moving to the Bay Area)
  • A $10K housing bonus (if you live within 0.5 miles of our office)
  • A $1K monthly stipend for meals
  • Free Equinox membership
  • Health insurance

Skills

Business DevelopmentStrategic PartnershipsContract NegotiationStakeholder ManagementData ProductsCommercial NegotiationMarketplacesHigh-Growth StartupsAi ExposureCompliance

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