Freelance Business Development Partner

Company Description Thinkly Research helps organizations navigate complexity and uncertainty by providing research, analysis, and evidence-based insights that support strategic decision-making. The firm focuses on transforming complexity into clarity so organizations can identify opportunities, assess risks, and move forward with confidence. Core capabilities include business research, strategic and industry analysis, market and competitive intelligence, innovation and technology assessment, and decision support. Thinkly Research serves clients across sectors such as business, consulting, technology, education, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, public sector, and sustainability. Guided by the philosophy “Evidence Before Assumptions. Insight Before Action,” the organization is dedicated to turning research into insight, insight into strategy, and strategy into action.
Role Description The Freelance Business Development Partner is a remote, project-based role focused on expanding Thinkly Research’s client base and strategic relationships. Day-to-day responsibilities include identifying and qualifying prospective clients across target industries, initiating contact, and presenting Thinkly’s research and strategy offerings in a clear, value-focused manner. The role involves nurturing leads, managing a personal sales pipeline, and collaborating with the founder and research team to shape tailored proposals and engagement plans. The Business Development Partner will also help refine outreach strategies, contribute to partnership and collaboration opportunities, and provide feedback on market trends and client needs to inform service development. This position offers flexibility and is performance-driven, with scope for long-term collaboration based on results.
Qualifications
Strong consulting and business development skills, with the ability to understand client challenges and articulate relevant research-driven solutions.
Sales and relationship-building capabilities, including prospecting, lead nurturing, and closing engagements with decision-makers.
Leadership development and training experience to support client-facing conversations, workshops, or capability-building initiatives.
Project management skills to oversee the business development lifecycle from initial contact through proposal, negotiation, and handover to delivery teams.
Proven experience in B2B services, research, strategy, consulting, or related fields, ideally across multiple industries.
Excellent communication skills in English, including clear written proposals, persuasive presentations, and confident virtual meetings.
Comfort working independently in a remote, freelance capacity, with self-driven target setting and time management.
Familiarity with CRM tools, LinkedIn outreach, and basic digital marketing or networking techniques is an advantage.
Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, social sciences, or a related discipline is preferred; equivalent professional experience is also valued.

Work arrangement
No