Business Development Lead

Description

Chaos Labs is the first automated, on-chain economic security system enabling crypto protocols to optimize risk management and capital efficiency while safeguarding user funds. We analyze protocol mechanics and scenario implications using world-class custom EVM simulations to provide actionable insights. Our platform is trusted by leading protocols, including Aave, GMX, dYdX, Venus, Uniswap, and others, to manage and secure billions of dollars in assets.

We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Business Development Lead to join our team. Reporting directly to the VP of Business Operations, you will play a critical role in managing our inbound leads, driving deal cycles from pipeline to closure, and representing the company a, you will take ownership of the full business development lifecycle, including leading and mentoring a team of sales/BD professionals, driving strategic deal cycles, and ensuring the implementation of robust processes. This role also involves managing pipeline forecasts, leading complex legal and commercial negotiations, and representing the company at key Web3 industry events. The ideal candidate combines senior leadership experience with a strong understanding of the Web3/DeFi ecosystem, exceptional operational skills, and a proven track record of closing high-value and intricate deals.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management:

• Hire, lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing business development and sales team, fostering a results-oriented culture.
• Define and enforce best practices and processes for pipeline management, forecasting, and deal progression across the team.
• Conduct regular team forecast calls, ensuring accurate pipeline reporting and alignment with company goals.
• Provide coaching and development opportunities to support the team in achieving individual and collective targets.

Strategic Pipeline & Deal Ownership:

• Oversee the entire sales pipeline, managing inbound and outbound leads to ensure seamless progression from prospecting to closure.
• Spearhead outbound efforts to identify and engage key projects, partners, and stakeholders, driving revenue growth.
• Lead and manage complex deal negotiations, including structuring terms, navigating commercial trade-offs, and collaborating with Business Operations and Legal Counsel to finalize agreements.
• Anticipate and address potential challenges or objections during negotiations to achieve outcomes aligned with company objectives.

Strategic Communication & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as the primary point of contact for high-value prospects and clients, building trust and rapport throughout the deal cycle.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Strategy, Vertical Leads, Operations, and Customer Success) to ensure a smooth handoff and long-term client satisfaction.
• Lead regular updates and reviews with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on deal priorities and progress.

Forecasting & Process Improvement:

• Own and manage forecasting processes, providing accurate revenue and pipeline reports to senior leadership.
• Continuously evaluate and optimize BD workflows, introducing tools and methodologies (e.g., MEDDIC) to improve efficiency and performance.

Relationship Management & Value Proposition Development:

• Build and nurture relationships with key partners and clients, focusing on long-term value creation.
• Develop and articulate clear value propositions tailored to the needs of different customer segments, driving lead qualification and deal advancement.

Event Representation & Market Development:

• Represent the company at key Web3, Blockchain, and DeFi events, networking with industry leaders and potential partners.
• Stay informed about market trends, competitor activities, and new opportunities to inform strategic business development initiatives.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or a related field. An MBA is a plus.

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in sales quota carrying roles with at least 3 years of experience managing and leading a sales/BD team.
• Proven track record of driving and closing high-value deals in the Web3, DeFi, Fintech, or SaaS space.
• Extensive experience managing legal and commercial negotiations, with the ability to:
• Draft and review term sheets and contracts in collaboration with internal legal counsel.
• Negotiate deal structures, pricing, and service agreements, balancing client needs with company goals.
• Resolve conflicts and objections during negotiations to close deals effectively.
• Familiarity with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and sales methodologies like MEDDIC, SPIN Selling, or Challenger.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of DeFi, Web3, and blockchain concepts, with the ability to communicate these to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to motivate and guide teams to success.
• Superior organizational skills, with a focus on forecasting accuracy and process enforcement.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proactive and strategic mindset with a high level of ownership and accountability.

Culture:

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with a startup mindset.
• Strong commitment to collaboration, both within the team and across departments.
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and a focus on delivering results

Preferred Qualifications:

• Based in New York, with the flexibility to work in a hybrid model.
• Experience working in both corporate and startup environments (ideally in Finance, Fintech, and Web3), demonstrating knowledge of business development best practices and the ability to adapt and implement them in a startup setting.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time for events or client meetings.

Our Perks:

• Flexible hybrid work environment.
• Competitive PTO (21 days) + sick days (7) + 8 observed US-company holidays.
• 100% employer-paid health benefit options (Medical, dental & vision insurance) for you and your dependents.
• FSA or HSA (pending on selected health insurance).
• Generous 401k plan with employer match.
• Thoughtful Parental Leave Policy.
• Corporate wellness programs with OneMedical, Teladoc, Talkspace, EAP.
• Career growth opportunities at a rapidly expanding, global technology company in an emerging field with personalized professional development.
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits.
• Salary and seniority level commensurate with experience (range: $167-191k USD).