Senior Business Development Manager

Venatus; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Venatus, an award-winning global ad-tech platform, is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to lead strategic publisher acquisition and growth. This high-impact role involves identifying and securing partnerships that enhance Venatus' inventory and drive revenue. Ideal candidates will possess a hunter mentality and thrive in fast-paced environments, contributing to the company's ambitious expansion plans.

Benefits

Private Healthcare

Flexible working pattern

Cycle to Work scheme

Season Ticket Loan scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Option to buy and sell annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in enterprise sales, business development or digital partnerships.
• Deep understanding of publisher monetisation strategies and programmatic advertising.
• Confident commercial negotiator with experience leading high-stakes discussions.

Responsibilities

• Own the full Publisher Partnerships cycle - prospect, pitch, negotiate, and close.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of prospective publisher partners.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless onboarding and satisfaction.

Skills

Enterprise sales

Publisher monetisation

Commercial negotiation

Network across gaming

Strategic mindset

Job description

Who We Are

Venatus is an award-winning, global ad-tech platform that connects advertisers to the exclusive audiences of 500+, world renowned gaming and entertainment publishers. We are tech-first. We are gamers. We are the difference makers. Because when it comes to helping the world’s most recognisable brands such as EA, Nintendo and Rovio produce outstanding advertising campaigns, our in-house creative team alongside our direct and programmatic ad-sales have an unrivaled track-record.

Our game-changing investment from leading private equity firm, LivingBridge makes this an exceptionally exciting time to join the company. Venatus has ambitious growth and expansion plans, launching new products and opening even more international offices. London is our HQ with regional offices in Amsterdam, New York, LA, Toronto, Sydney, Seoul and Manila.

Why you should work with us

Venatus is an extremely ambitious company and we pride ourselves on our open and supportive culture. Our talented employees stay loyal to our business due to the regular learning opportunities and experience of working directly with industry experts. We empower people to succeed, welcoming innovative ideas and ways of working that will ultimately help the business grow. We offer a fluid approach to hybrid working, giving employees the freedom to produce their best work, wherever they are. Joining Venatus is a play for the top. You’ll be challenged in positive ways, learn rapidly and develop a career in one of the most captivating industries in the world. You will be able to develop both professionally and as an individual, carving a career path that engages and excites you.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a Senior Business Development Manager to lead the charge on strategic publisher acquisition and growth. This is a high-impact role focused on identifying, pitching, and closing enterprise-level publisher partnerships that expand our premium inventory and drive long-term revenue growth.

You’ll be responsible for unlocking new relationships across AAA game studios, major entertainment IPs, and large-scale digital publishers. This role requires deep expertise in publisher monetisation and digital advertising, and the ability to navigate complex commercial discussions with senior stakeholders.

This is an ideal role for someone with a hunter mentality, strong enterprise sales experience, and the drive to shape Venatus’ growth in a key global region.

Responsibilities

• Own the full Publisher Partnerships cycle - prospect, pitch, negotiate, and close new publisher partnerships at scale
• Identify and engage with high-value publishers across gaming, media, and entertainment verticals
• Develop and manage a pipeline of prospective publisher partners, identifying opportunities that align with Venatus’ global growth strategy
• Pitch the Venatus platform and evangelise our direct, programmatic and header bidding monetisation solutions
• Collaborate with internal teams (Publisher Operations, Product, and Publisher Success) to ensure seamless onboarding and long-term partner satisfaction
• Track and report on sales performance, pipeline health, and revenue outcomes to senior leadership
• Represent Venatus at major industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities
• Provide market insights to help shape go-to-market strategy, product priorities and commercial positioning
  
  

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years in enterprise sales, business development, or digital partnerships
• Deep understanding of publisher monetisation strategies and programmatic advertising
• Confident commercial negotiator with experience leading high-stakes discussions
• Strong network across the gaming, media, or entertainment sectors
• Strategic mindset, with the ability to influence internal stakeholders and market strategy
• Entrepreneurial, driven, and excited by the opportunity to build and lead at pace
• Passionate about digital culture, advertising innovation, and gaming
  
  

Package:

• Base salary dependent on experience
• Private Healthcare
• Flexible working pattern
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan scheme
• 25 days annual leave (inclusive of festive office closure) plus bank holidays and your birthday off
• Option to buy and sell annual leave allowance
• Excellent career opportunities in a growing, international company
  
  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We understand that the best ideas are born from the collaboration of diverse minds, spanning all races, religions, ethnicities, genders and orientations. We are dedicated to making Venatus a safe, happy place to be, allowing everyone to feel comfortable and confident in order to produce their best work. We employ a range of talent that represents the diverse creativity of our industry and we are proud of our growing teams of employees who share these values.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the application process, please let us know by emailing [e-mail]