Data Partnership Lead
About MercorMercor's mission is to organize human intelligence to power the AI economy. We partner with leading AI labs and enterprises to provide the human intelligence essential to AI development. Our vast talent network trains frontier AI models in the same way teachers teach students: by sharing knowledge, experience, and context that can't be captured in code alone. Today, more than 30,000 experts in our network collectively earn over $2 million a day.Mercor is creating a new category of work where expertise powers AI advancement. Achieving this requires an ambitious, fast-paced and deeply committed team. You'll work alongside researchers, operators, and AI companies at the forefront of shaping the systems that are redefining society. Mercor is a profitable Series C company valued at $10 billion. We work in-person five days a week in our San Francisco, NYC, or London offices.About the RoleAs Data Partnerships Lead you will build and scale Mercor's external partnerships from zero to one. You'll own the full lifecycle-from identifying opportunities and sourcing partners to negotiating contracts and managing long-term relationships.This role sits at the intersection of business development, data strategy, contracting, and stakeholder management. It is highly autonomous, deeply strategic, and intentionally scrappy. You will be trusted to figure things out, move fast, and create leverage where none exists yet.What You'll DoBuild Partnerships from Scratch (0 → 1)Identify, outreach, design, and launch new partnership models with external organizations, networks, and institutionsTest and iterate on partnership structures before scaling what worksCreate early frameworks and playbooks where none exist todayBusiness Development & Deal OwnershipLead outbound and inbound partnership conversations end-to-endQualify partners, define mutual value, and drive deals to closeStructure commercial terms that align incentives and support long-term collaborationContracting & NegotiationOwn negotiations across pricing, scope, timelines, and obligationsWork closely with Legal and Finance to move quickly without sacrificing rigorBalance speed, flexibility, and scalability in early-stage agreementsStakeholder ManagementAct as the primary point of contact for external partners and senior stakeholdersManage complex, multi-party relationships with clarity and credibilityAlign internal teams (Product, Research, Ops, Legal) around partnership prioritiesOperate Scrappily, Then SystematizeStart hands-on: build lists, run outreach, draft docs, close deals yourselfIdentify patterns and convert them into repeatable processes over timeHelp shape the tools, metrics, and systems needed as the function scalesWhat We're Looking ForExperience5+ years in Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, or Commercial RolesProven experience negotiating and closing contractsTrack record of managing high-stakes external stakeholdersDirect experience working with data productsMindset & SkillsBuilder mentality: excited by ambiguity and 0→1 problemsScrappy, resourceful, and comfortable doing unglamorous work earlyStrong commercial instincts and negotiation skillsClear, concise communicator with executive presenceAble to operate independently while partnering closely with internal teamsNice to HaveExperience in marketplaces, platforms, or high-growth startupsExposure to data-driven products, AI, or technical stakeholdersBackground working cross-functionally with legal and finance teamsFamiliarity with compliance and data rightsBenefitsBenefitsBi-annual performance bonus structureGenerous equity grant vested over 4 yearsUp to $15k Relocation bonus$10K housing bonus (if you live within 0.5 miles of our office)$1.5K monthly stipend for mealsFree Equinox membership$200 monthly laundry reimbursement$200 monthly personal wellness reimbursementHealth, Dental, Vision insurance