Head of Business Development

About the Role

Factory is looking for a Head of Business Development to own the strategic relationships that determine where our platform sits in the AI ecosystem. Reporting to the VP of Operations, you will lead our business development and strategic partnerships efforts and build the network of alliances that make Factory the center of gravity for agent-native software development. This is a strategic, relationship-driven role focused on building and nurturing our product partner ecosystem, deepening relationships with frontier AI labs, and cultivating alliances across platforms and infrastructure our customers use.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute Factory's business development and strategic partnerships strategy, aligned to the company's long-term vision.
• Build and nurture the product partner ecosystem around Factory, working with Product and Engineering to identify and shape integrations that add value for enterprise engineering teams.
• Deepen relationships with frontier AI labs, keeping Factory at the leading edge of underlying model capabilities.
• Cultivate strategic alliances across major cloud platforms and infrastructure providers, positioning Factory where enterprises already operate.
• Help build out Factory’s startup ecosystem, embedding the company within the community of high-growth companies and their partners.
• Identify, negotiate, and establish strategic partnerships with complementary technology providers and industry leaders, structuring agreements that advance Factory’s objectives.
• Identify emerging technologies and startups worth partnering with, and build those relationships early.
• Partner closely with Product, Engineering, Sales, and Legal to bring partnerships to life, and represent Factory at industry events.
• Gather and synthesize ecosystem intelligence to inform product direction and long-term strategic planning.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in business development or strategic partnerships, with at least 5 years in leadership roles within the technology sector.
• A proven track record of establishing and managing high-value, strategic partnerships from first conversation through signed agreement.
• A deep understanding of the AI industry and its ecosystem, including labs, platforms, and product partners.
• Excellent negotiation and deal-structuring skills, with the judgment to prioritize relationships that compound in value.
• The credibility and presence to build and maintain relationships with founders and C-level executives.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate partnership opportunities and their strategic impact.
• Experience leading cross-functional efforts and rallying Product, Engineering, and Sales toward shared outcomes.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinking, adaptability, and comfort with ambiguity in a fast-moving industry.
• A builder mindset—excited to help build the function, not just fill a seat.
• An MBA or equivalent experience is a plus.

Schedule

In office, 5 days a week (San Francisco or New York City).