Director, Business Development and Operations

Role Overview The Director, Business Development & Operations will own everything that makes the Tinder Events supply engine run: the strategy, the team, the partnerships, the processes, and the results. This is not a role for someone who manages existing programs – it’s a role for a builder who can stand up a new function, close deals at multiple levels of complexity, and create a scalable operating model that holds up as the program expands city by city. You will run two distinct partnership tracks simultaneously – a scaled, high-volume event supply pipeline and a program of branded event experiences – each requiring a different commercial motion, deal structure, and execution model. You will hire and develop the team that delivers both, and you will serve as a senior commercial thought partner to Tinder leadership as the program grows. You’ll report to the VP, Business Development and work closely with cross‑functional partners across Marketing, Legal, Product, Engineering, and Design. Where you'll work This is a hybrid role requiring in‑office collaboration three times per week in Los Angeles, CA, with approximately 25% travel for market launches, partner meetings, and on‑the‑ground event activation. Responsibilities Build and lead the team: hire, structure, and develop a team of BD Managers, Operations Analysts, and market specialists from the ground up; set performance bar, coach, and hold accountable to pipeline and partner targets; create playbooks and onboarding systems; serve as senior commercial leader who elevates the team’s ability. Drive commercial performance: own end‑to‑end BD pipeline for the high‑volume event supply track; co‑lead the produced track partnership program; secure co‑promotion agreements and co‑marketing terms; leverage AI and automation tools; invent new deal structures and business models. Build the operating model: design and document the end‑to‑end workflow for events sourcing, vetting, negotiation, onboarding, listing, monitoring, and renewal; build sales operations infrastructure (territory design, pipeline reporting, forecasting, performance tracking); establish quality control standards; build market‑specific playbooks; partner with Product and Engineering on supply management model evolution. Lead supply strategy: develop and pressure‑test models for sourcing, managing, and curating events at scale; bring a creative commercial mindset to supply challenges (inbound interest, local cultural ambassadors, tiering model, maintaining curation); represent the Events team’s commercial interests in cross‑functional discussions with Marketing, Product, Legal, and Senior Leadership. Qualifications 8+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or sales, with at least 3 years in a senior role closing complex deals and managing or developing a team. Proven commercial track record: hard numbers – deals closed, revenue or pipeline generated, partner programs built from scratch. Experience operating at both ends of the deal spectrum: high‑volume outbound sales and complex multi‑party strategic partnerships. Sales operations expertise – built or managed infrastructure (CRM, forecasting, comp design, territory structure, pipeline reporting). Demonstrated ability to hire, develop, and hold a team accountable. Commercial creativity – pitched deal structures that didn’t exist before and convinced partners to say yes. Strong operational instincts – builds repeatable systems and applies them to team design and processes. Entrepreneurial drive – energized by ambiguity, makes decisions without a complete playbook, biased toward action. Clear, structured communication – translates ground‑level commercial activity into strategic insights, writes and presents with precision. Experience in events, nightlife, live entertainment, hospitality, or consumer lifestyle industries. Background working with national brand partners on co‑marketing or co‑branded deal structures. Familiarity with event marketplace platforms from a partnership or operations perspective. Experience scaling a commercial program across multiple cities or regions. Background working with Gen Z or millennial consumer audiences or community‑driven brands. Benefits Flexible Vacation, 10 Sick Days. Time off to volunteer and charitable donations matched up to $15,000 annually. Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage. 100% 401(k) employer match up to 10%. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). 100% paid parental leave (including for non‑birthing parents) and family forming benefits. Mentorship through MentorMatch program, access to 6,000+ online courses via Udemy, and an annual $3,000 stipend for professional development. Wellness support: mental health support via Modern Health, paid concierge medical membership, pet insurance, fitness membership subsidy, commuter subsidy. Free subscription to Tinder Gold. Commitment to Inclusion Tinder is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace where we welcome people of all sexes, gender identities, races, ethnicities, disabilities, and other lived experiences. We invite you to apply even if your experience doesn’t fully match the listed qualifications. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre‑employment testing, or a job interview or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition Partner directly. Learn more here: #J-18808-Ljbffr Matchgroup