About CESSA
The Centre of Excellence on Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA) at IIT Madras is a multidisciplinary research and innovation hub working at the intersection of sports science, data analytics, AI, biomechanics, IoT and wearable technology.
CESSA works with sports federations, government bodies, industry partners, researchers and startups to advance athlete performance, sports technology, sports education and the wider sports-tech ecosystem in India.
Role Overview
CESSA is looking for a Senior Manager – Business Development & Strategic Partnerships to build and grow its external partnerships across the Indian sports and sports-tech ecosystem.
This is a hands-on business development role with responsibility for identifying opportunities, building senior stakeholder relationships, converting opportunities into projects and partnerships, and developing CESSA’s consortium membership programme.
The role will work closely with sports federations, government bodies, corporates, startups, investors and the wider IIT Madras ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities




Sports Federations & Community Partnerships

Map and prioritise national sports federations, state associations, sporting bodies, clubs and athlete communities as potential partners and clients.
Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders including federation leadership, High Performance Directors, coaches and administrators.
Identify opportunities in areas such as performance analytics, injury prevention, talent identification, officiating technology, fan engagement and sports technology.
Translate partnership opportunities into project briefs in collaboration with CESSA faculty and researchers.
Support negotiation of project scope, commercials, timelines, MoUs and Letters of Intent in coordination with IIT Madras.
Represent CESSA at relevant sports events, industry forums, conclaves and government engagements.
Track opportunities arising from programmes and initiatives of SAI, Khelo India, Ministr

📌 Senior Manager – Business Development (Chennai)
🏢 Indian Institute of Technology Madras
📍 Chennai