Strategic Partnerships Lead, Corporate Development

Strategic Partnerships Lead, Corporate Development Cupertino, California, United States Machine Learning and AI Apple’s Corporate Development team is seeking a visionary business development leader to drive high-impact strategic partnerships and accelerate innovation. This role will manage select, high-profile external relationships while partnering closely with cross-functional teams across Apple, including engineering, product, and operations. The successful candidate will influence Apple’s long-term strategy by driving transformative partnerships and collaborations, providing actionable insights to senior leadership. We thrive on bold thinking, embrace complexity, and value individuals who bring passion, rigor, and creativity to solving the most challenging strategic problems. This is a rare opportunity to influence Apple’s corporate trajectory and work alongside world-class talent on transformative initiatives. Description The Strategic Partnerships function within Corporate Development focuses on identifying, structuring, and managing high-impact relationships that advance Apple’s strategic priorities. Responsibilities Own and manage end-to-end strategic partnerships with high-profile external partners, ensuring alignment with Apple’s long-term business priorities. Negotiate complex commercial agreements, licenses, and strategic arrangements that maximize both immediate and long-term value. Serve as the primary interface between external partners and cross-functional Apple teams, including engineering, product, and operations, to deliver exceptional results. Monitor, analyze, and report on partnership performance metrics to guide decision-making and inform future strategy. Lead high-visibility initiatives that require balancing multiple stakeholders, ambiguity, and shifting priorities while achieving measurable business impact. Minimum Qualifications 10+ years of experience in business development, corporate strategy, or technical partnership management with a proven track record of driving results. Strong project management and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail. Exceptional ability to communicate technical and business concepts to senior executives and cross-functional teams. Demonstrated success managing complex external relationships and coordinating across multiple internal stakeholders. Proven ability to lead complex initiatives, from strategic analysis to execution, in ambiguous and fast-moving environments. Track record of successfully negotiating complex commercial agreements, licenses, or strategic partnerships. Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree (MBA, JD, MS, PhD) preferred. Technical or engineering background with the ability to understand and influence product and technical discussions. Deep curiosity for emerging technologies and consumer trends, with a passion for innovation. At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $191,400 and $288,000, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program. Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant #J-18808-Ljbffr Apple