Business Development Manager

The InterMentalist; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The InterMentalist is seeking a Business Development Manager for Influencer Marketing to drive direct brand acquisition and build agency partnerships across FMCG, D2C and consumer brands.

You will lead prospecting, develop compelling pitches, negotiate terms, close deals and ensure smooth onboarding to the execution team, while tracking regional opportunities and long‑term revenue.

Qualifications

• 3 to 7 years of experience in business development, brand partnerships or sales, preferably in influencer marketing, advertising, digital marketing or talent management.
• Proven ability to acquire clients and close business independently.
• Existing relationships with brand-side marketing teams and/or advertising and digital agencies will be an advantage.
• Understanding of influencer marketing, premium creator campaigns and regional markets.
• Strong presentation, pitching, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to independently create pitch decks and proposals and take ownership of the client acquisition process.

Responsibilities

• Direct Brand Acquisition: Identify and acquire direct clients across FMCG, D2C, consumer brands and other relevant industries for premium influencer marketing campaigns and talent partnerships.
• Agency Partnerships: Identify and build relationships with established advertising, digital and creative agencies that require regional influencer marketing expertise for their clients.
• Premium Market Positioning: Focus on premium and mid-to-large-scale campaigns involving established creators and relevant talent, rather than nano-influencer-led campaigns.
• Business Development & Prospecting: Independently research target brands and agencies, identify key decision-makers, initiate outreach and develop a strong sales pipeline.
• Pitch Development: Create compelling pitch decks, agency presentations, proposals and customised campaign recommendations aligned with client requirements.
• Negotiation & Client Onboarding: Lead discussions, negotiate commercials, close deals and ensure a smooth handover of onboarded clients to the internal campaign execution team.
• Revenue Generation: Achieve business targets by acquiring new clients, developing strategic partnerships and building long‑term revenue opportunities.
• Market Research: Track brand activity, agency requirements, industry trends and regional marketing opportunities to identify new avenues for growth.

Skills

Presentation skills

Pitching

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Client acquisition

Job description

Business Development Manager Influencer Marketing:

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Direct Brand Acquisition: Identify and acquire direct clients across FMCG, D2C, consumer brands and other relevant industries for premium influencer marketing campaigns and talent partnerships.
• Agency Partnerships: Identify and build relationships with established advertising, digital and creative agencies that require regional influencer marketing expertise for their clients.
• Premium Market Positioning: Focus on premium and mid-to-large-scale campaigns involving established creators and relevant talent, rather than nano-influencer-led campaigns.
• Business Development & Prospecting: Independently research target brands and agencies, identify key decision-makers, initiate outreach and develop a strong sales pipeline.
• Pitch Development: Create compelling pitch decks, agency presentations, proposals and customised campaign recommendations aligned with client requirements.
• Negotiation & Client Onboarding: Lead discussions, negotiate commercials, close deals and ensure a smooth handover of onboarded clients to the internal campaign execution team.
• Revenue Generation: Achieve business targets by acquiring new clients, developing strategic partnerships and building long‑term revenue opportunities.
• Market Research: Track brand activity, agency requirements, industry trends and regional marketing opportunities to identify new avenues for growth.

Requirements:

• 3 to 7 years of experience in business development, brand partnerships or sales, preferably in influencer marketing, advertising, digital marketing or talent management.
• Proven ability to acquire clients and close business independently.
• Existing relationships with brand-side marketing teams and/or advertising and digital agencies will be an advantage.
• Understanding of influencer marketing, premium creator campaigns and regional markets.
• Strong presentation, pitching, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to independently create pitch decks and proposals and take ownership of the client acquisition process.

Who Can Apply?

• Professionals currently or previously employed at an influencer marketing agency with a proven track record of independently acquiring and onboarding clients.
• Candidates with strong, established brand contacts and direct relationships with brand decision‑makers.
• Brand Managers currently working on the brand side who wish to transition to the agency side.
• Professionals with strong working relationships with brand managers across FMCG, D2C and other relevant consumer industries.
• Professionals with established relationships with leading advertising, digital and creative agencies, and a strong understanding of the agency ecosystem to develop strategic partnerships and generate business.
• Driven Professionals Seeking Greater Ownership: Professionals from the influencer marketing industry who have the drive, work ethic and ability to deliver but feel they have not had sufficient autonomy, opportunities, recognition or performance-linked incentives to realise their potential. If you're looking for a platform where your efforts are valued, your contributions are recognised and you have the freedom to prove yourself, we'd like to hear from you.

Please Note:

Applications are strictly limited to candidates with relevant experience in influencer marketing agencies or brand-side marketing roles. Applicants from other industries will not be considered.