Business Development Manager - Strategic Partnerships - Full-time position - Location: Italy (Lombardia / Veneto) or Switzerland (Ticino) Remote/hybrid, global remit - Travel: Global, ~20-30% About Zoundream We are Zoundream, a dynamic, growing, and ambitious startup developing the world's most advanced technology for infant voice analysis, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sound recognition. Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and product leaders delivers the world-leading solution for infant voice analysis, trusted by major juvenile brands. By analyzing newborn cries and vocalizations, we provide actionable insights—interpreting infants’ real-time needs and flagging early-risk patterns relevant to health The Role We’re hiring a Business Development Manager - Strategic Partnerships to originate and close new OEM/brand partnerships, starting with the juvenile / baby monitor segment. You will own the front end of the cycle—targeted outreach, education, stakeholder mapping, scoping validations/pilots, and driving to commercial terms on our standardized model (≈95% boilerplate). The CEO joins for late-stage negotiation as needed; you lead everything up to that point. The role reports directly to the CEO. What you will do Your key responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): - Identify and open doors at target OEMs/brands; engage decision-makers in Product/Innovation/BUs. - Run a tight, consultative progression: discovery → technical intro → scoped validation/pilot → commercial terms. - Educate partners on our standardized business & integration model; handle common objections with data and social proof. - Build thoughtful account plans (not mass outreach); maintain momentum and reduce time from first call to terms. - Coordinate internally with technical teams to align feasibility, demos, and validation plans. - Hand off cleanly to post-signature owners; capture learnings into a lightweight, repeatable playbook. What we’re looking for_(Must-Haves)_ - 7-12 years in B2B Business Development / Strategic Partnerships, ideally for consumer electronics / IoT / embedded software (SDK/algorithms/platform integrations) selling into OEMs/brands. - Proven track record landing first-time integration deals (new category/new model evangelization). - Comfortable with variable/long enterprise cycles and multi-stakeholder navigation (Product, R&D, Legal, Supply Chain). - English: full professional proficiency (C1/C2)—impeccable spoken & written communication; executive presence with senior buyers. Italian language is NOT required. - Willingness for global travel (~20-30%) Nice to have - Former experience in a startup is a strong plus - Experience with licensing/commercial models for embedded AI/audio/voice tech. - Network in juvenile/baby monitor brands or adjacent CE (smart cameras, wearables, audio/voice). - Technical fluency to coordinate pilots with product/engineering - Management consulting background and/or MBA appreciated What Type of Person You Are - Hunter mindset with account-based discipline (targeted, credible approaches—not mass spam). - Structured and outcome-driven: clear next steps, crisp notes, accurate forecasting of stages and risks. - Highly self-motivated and proactive, always looking for new tasks and challenges, bringing enthusiasm and inspiration with a solution-driven approach. - Ambition attitude with effective multitasking and time management skills. - Autonomous but collaborative; comfortable in a fast-moving startup What We Offer - The opportunity to be part of a high-tech, mission-driven startup at the forefront of global infant voice analysis technology using advanced AI and sound recognition. - Work with a passionate, ambitious, and diverse team dedicated to redefine infant care through technology. - A collaborative, innovative and dynamic environment with direct influence on company direction. - Play an impactful key role in developing and improving products that directly impact patients' lives and drive advancements in healthcare. - A highly competitive compensation package: - Salary range: 55k-75k / year, aligned with your experience and expertise. - Stock options: 40k-60k, to share in the company's success and growth. - Flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Do not hesitate. Join us and let’s revolutionize the future of infant care together! - Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Pay: €55,000.00 - €75,000.00 per year Language: - English (C2 level) (required) Willingness to travel: - 25% (required)