Business Development Manager, Enterprise at Perplexity (San Francisco, CA)
Perplexity· San Francisco, CA· $180k–$240k·
Role details
Perplexity at a glance
AI-powered answer engine that returns real-time, cited answers, now expanding into an agentic browser and on-device agents.
Perplexity runs an AI answer engine that searches the live web and returns direct, cited answers instead of a page of links. It has extended that core into an AI browser (Comet), an on-device agent (Computer), a developer API, and vertical tools like patent search.
$1.7B raised · latest: Series E extension · $200M · 2025 (reported $20B valuation) · backed by Accel, IVP, NEA, SoftBank Vision Fund 2
Job description
Perplexity is seeking a Business Development Manager to build and scale our enterprise BDR team. In this role, you will hire, coach, and lead a team of BDRs generating qualified pipeline for our Enterprise Account Executives. This role is ideal for a hands-on sales leader who has built pipeline generation functions before and wants to shape the outbound motion of one of the fastest-growing enterprise businesses in AI.
Responsibilities
- Hire, onboard, and coach a team of BDRs, establishing the ramp plan, operating cadence, and performance bar
- Own the BDR contribution to sourced pipeline and qualified opportunities
- Design and iterate the outbound playbook, including account targeting, vertical messaging, and multi-channel prospecting
- Partner with Enterprise AEs on account planning, lead routing, and handoff quality
- Build vertical fluency on the team so reps can hold credible conversations with buyers in industries such as Financial Services, Legal, Life Sciences, and Consulting
- Coach reps to position Perplexity's full product suite, matching the right entry point to each account
- Run the operating rhythm: weekly 1:1s, call and message reviews, pipeline inspection, and a clear performance scoreboard
- Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, RevOps, and Strategic Finance on lead quality, source attribution, and compensation design
- Develop BDRs into future Account Executives and build a strong internal talent pipeline
Qualifications
- 4+ years in SaaS sales or business development, including 1 to 2+ years directly managing a BDR or SDR team
- Proven track record of building or scaling a pipeline generation team in a high-growth environment
- Prior closing experience strongly preferred
- Skilled at coaching reps on outbound prospecting, qualification, and executive engagement
- Data-driven operating style with the ability to define, track, and improve conversion metrics
- Experience with modern prospecting tools and AI-native sales workflows
- Exceptional written and verbal communication; comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders internally and externally
- Experience with CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce)
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
The cash compensation for this role is $180-240k OTE based on experience level.
Why work at Perplexity
- Culture & Environment: “Thoughtful support” culture with emphasis on craftsmanship, ownership, entrepreneurship, scholarship, and partnership. Hybrid schedule (4 days in-office) based on location.
- Perks: Daily catered meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner in office), office snacks, ride home program, commuter benefits, home office reimbursement, fitness classes, gym memberships.
- Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary and equity packages; retirement plans with company match; flexible PTO; holiday shutdown between Christmas and New Year; 12 weeks paid bonding leave; comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Relocation & Visa Support: Relocation assistance and visa/green card sponsorship for eligible roles. Partners with immigration firm to support the process.
- Engineering Excellence: “Technical assessment for relevant roles”; values hands-on contribution, broad skill sets, and merit-based evaluation. Frequent Tech Talks and exposure to greenfield AI research problems.