Senior Director, Business Development

Nokia’s Network Monetization Platform unit is leading the charge in transforming telecom monetization by making networks programmable through secure, high-value APIs. These APIs empower developers, enterprises, and hyperscalers to unlock new revenue streams and drive innovation across industries. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of telecom monetization and lead the industry’s shift toward API-driven innovation. If you are passionate about building ecosystems, driving API adoption, and forging transformative partnerships, we invite you to join us in redefining what’s possible.

As the Senior Director Business Development, you will play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of Nokia’s API-centric Network as Code platform. This role is ideal for a visionary leader with deep expertise in API ecosystems, telecom, and cloud technologies with a track record of winning new business in the enterprise segment in the United States, coupled with a proven ability to execute complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships. This position is currently being hired as an individual contributor hire with view for the post holder to scale up and build a team.  

• Growth Strategy & Execution: Define and implement a business development strategy to scale the adoption of Nokia’s API-driven Network as Code platform globally.
  Collaborate with product, engineering, and marketing teams to identify and prioritize API-driven market opportunities. Drive the creation of business models and monetization strategies for network APIs.
• Strategic Partnerships:  Build and nurture high-value relationships with CSPs, hyperscalers, enterprise customers, and developer ecosystems, with a strong focus on API integration and enablement. Negotiate and close strategic agreements that leverage APIs to unlock new monetization opportunities. Champion API partnerships that enable seamless integration with developer platforms, hyperscaler services, and enterprise solutions.
• Market Development: Shape go-to-market strategies tailored to industries that can benefit from API-driven innovation (e.g., fintech, gaming, IoT, automotive, media). Collaborate with CNS Marketing to drive developer engagement through meetups, hackathons, and online communities focused on API education and adoption. Advocate for Nokia’s APIs as a key enabler of digital transformation in target verticals.
• Leadership & Influence: Lead and inspire a high-performing global business development team, fostering a culture of innovation, customer focus, and results. Act as a senior advisor to Nokia’s executive leadership on API trends, competitive positioning, and ecosystem dynamics. Represent Nokia at industry events, showcasing thought leadership in API monetization and network programmability.

• Proven Track Record: 15+ years in business development, partnerships, or strategic sales within telecom, cloud, or platform technology sectors, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• API Expertise: Demonstrated experience in driving API adoption, API monetization models, and API ecosystem development.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of telecom network capabilities, cloud ecosystems, and the role of APIs in enabling programmable networks. Industry Knowledge Have experience in working with Industrial Digitalization, Systems Integrators, CPaaS topics and companies.
• Experienced selling services and solutions to the enterprise sector with a track record of winning new business 
• Deal-Making Excellence: Proven ability to close complex, multi-party commercial agreements, particularly those involving API integrations.
• Developer Ecosystem Vision: Great ability to engage and influence developer communities, hyperscalers, and operator alliances around API-driven innovation.
• Leadership Skills: Exceptional people management and mentoring capabilities; proven ability to lead diverse, distributed teams.
• Global Mindset: Experience working across multiple geographies and cultures.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Travel: Willingness to travel within the US primarily, up to 30–50%.