Director of Business Development
* Please note the role is working for Merit Data and Technology Limited, part of Merit Group Ltd., and is based in the UK. For further information, please visit https://www.meritdata-tech.com/ *
ABOUT MERIT
For over 20 years, Merit has been a trusted partner to some of the world’s most recognisable B2B brands across the UK, Europe, and the US. We are a fast-moving, results-driven Data & AI powerhouse, delivering transformative solutions across:
- AI-powered Data Supply for global information businesses—including tailored marketing data for major Events & Conferences
- AI-driven Business Process Automation & Analytics for SMEs to large enterprises
- End-to-end Data Engineering & Transformation for industry-specific global leaders
We are looking for a high-impact Director of Business Development—a strategic leader ready to maximise potential in one of the fastest-growing tech sectors. This is more than a sales support role—it is an opportunity to shape the future of a business with serious credentials and massive growth prospects.
In this role you will bring energy, vision, and commercial drive. We’ll provide a strong foundation: a stellar client base, proven delivery, a collaborative culture, and the chance to work with cutting-edge Data & AI solutions that will expand your own skillset.
CONTEXT
This is an exciting role where the space in which we operate (the collection and transformation of big data – both structured and unstructured) is at the forefront of the Tech Industry. The capability we have built, and the AI tools we use in data transformation will give most candidates a huge learning opportunity, in a very cutting edge sphere.
With a great client base, plenty of case studies and a strong reputation, the successful candidate will have plenty of positives to work with, to aggressively drive the business forward and to generate significant revenue growth and remuneration.
We have a very positive and ‘can do’ culture where a sense of team and collective effort will provide good support to whomever is in this role.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
This is a high-impact strategic leadership role with responsibility for driving growth through the effective management of Sales Support Functions—Inside Sales, Content & Design, and Marketing. The Director – Business Development will play a pivotal role in aligning these teams to accelerate pipeline generation, brand authority, and revenue growth.
You will lead and shape key areas:
- Branding: Develop and execute branding strategies that position Merit as a thought leader and go-to expert in AI-led Data Solutions space. Ensure high-quality, technically strong sales and marketing collateral that reinforces our market presence.
- Marketing: Partner with the VP of Marketing to craft and deploy top-of-funnel strategies—leveraging email, social, events, and digital channels to drive qualified leads (MQLs) and brand engagement.
- Inside Sales: Set the vision and performance standards for our SQL generation team in India—ensuring strong appointment-setting, meeting targets, and pipeline acceleration, in collaboration with Inside Sales Team Managers.
Core Responsibilities include:
- Drive the execution of marketing campaigns that span email nurturing, digital, PR, online events, and lead generation initiatives.
- Oversee all marketing operations including digital strategy, content development, branding, budgets, and demand generation.
- This role's responsibilities include achieving specific sales targets as well from time to time
- Identify high-value verticals and drive sales efforts to penetrate these markets. Develop consultative selling approaches tailored to specific use cases and client pain points.
- Lead and coach Inside Sales and Marketing teams to ensure aligned performance, growth mindset, and delivery against KPIs.
- Monitor, measure, and continuously optimise sales support activities aligned to our Tech & Data Services growth goals.
- Strategically support teams in identifying growth opportunities and enhancing brand visibility in target markets.
- Ensure tight alignment between sales and marketing to streamline lead qualification and conversion.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, operations, and executive leadership to keep marketing closely tied to business outcomes.
- Stay ahead of market trends and tech developments, advising leadership on how to maintain a competitive edge in a fast-moving sector.
- The ability to use software packages competently, including Office 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Mail chimp, Hoot suite, Sprout Social, Google Business Tools, including Analytics, Keyword Builder, Data Studio, WordPress, Hub Spot, SEMrush, Adobe Suite and Vimeo
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for a dynamic, results-driven leader with the following attributes:
- Proven track record: 10+ years of experience in Business Development within a Tech Solutions or Data & AI environment, with a demonstrated ability to lead Inside Sales and Marketing teams to consistently meet and exceed growth targets.
- Strategic mindset: Capable of designing and executing robust, data-informed lead generation strategies, leveraging insights, reporting, and analytics to drive high-quality pipeline development.
- Leadership & team development: A collaborative, cross-functional leader with outstanding people skills—able to inspire, mentor, and develop diverse teams across functions and geographies.
- Sales funnel expertise: Experienced in building and managing full-funnel demand generation—from top-of-funnel awareness to qualified lead handoff—ensuring a healthy, scalable prospect pipeline across segments and decision-making levels.
- Digital marketing fluency: Strong grasp of modern digital marketing tools, tactics, and platforms, including email automation, SEO, social media, performance marketing, and marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, etc.).
- Exceptional communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence internal stakeholders and engage persuasively with external prospects and clients.
- Process-driven & performance-oriented: A disciplined, metrics-focused operator who brings structure, pace, and consistency to business development efforts—ensuring momentum is maintained and opportunities are actively progressed.
- Commercial acumen: Deep understanding of B2B sales cycles, pricing strategies, competitive positioning, and the ability to contribute to strategic planning and go-to-market initiatives.
- Global experience (preferred): Experience working with or managing teams across geographies (e.g., UK, US, Europe) is highly desirable.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Be part of a truly innovative business at the forefront of the fast-evolving Data & AI sector—delivering transformative solutions across industries hungry for intelligent, scalable technology.
- Take on a senior leadership role with real influence—you'll have the platform to help shape the strategic direction, growth trajectory, and commercial success of a UK-headquartered business with global ambitions.
- Thrive in a unique culture that blends the high standards of a market leader with the agility, entrepreneurial spirit, and close-knit collaboration of a smaller, fast-moving organisation.
- Work with some of the UK’s most influential companies in media, research, e-commerce, and marketing—expanding your network and impact across key B2B sectors.
- Enjoy a competitive, performance-linked remuneration package with realistic, clearly defined opportunities for progression and reward based on impact and results.
- Continuous learning and innovation: Exposure to cutting-edge Data, AI, and Automation technologies—perfect for a commercially driven leader who wants to stay ahead of the curve and keep evolving.
If you are interested in applying, please send a copy of your CV and Cover Letter, setting out why you think you are a good fit for the role, to Neela Kannan: [email protected]
