Non-Sales Roles with Incentives/Commissions

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some non-sales roles with incentive-based compensation structures that might align with your goals:

1. Business Development (BD) Roles:

   • BD roles often involve driving growth, building partnerships, and developing customer relationships. While they fall under the broader sales umbrella, they can offer a mix of strategy and execution. Compensation can include commissions or bonuses tied to performance metrics like revenue growth or deal closures. However, the upside may vary depending on the company and industry.

2. Real Estate Development/Sales:

   • Real estate roles, especially in development or sales, often have a significant portion of compensation tied to deal success or revenue share. These roles can provide exposure to strategy and operations while offering high earning potential for strong performers.

3. Private Equity or Venture Capital:

   • While not commission-based in the traditional sense, these roles often include carried interest (a share of the profits from investments) as part of the compensation structure. This can provide significant upside over time, especially at senior levels.

4. Fintech Product Roles:

   • Certain product management or strategy roles in fintech companies may offer performance-based bonuses or equity incentives. These roles can blend strategic thinking with execution and may align with your interest in driving growth.

5. SaaS Sales or Sales Strategy:

   • While you mentioned concerns about transitioning directly into sales, SaaS sales roles (or related strategy roles) can offer lucrative commission structures. Additionally, roles like Sales Enablement or Sales Operations can provide exposure to sales strategy without being directly client-facing.

6. Corporate Development:

   • Corporate development roles focus on M&A, partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives. While not typically commission-based, bonuses can be tied to deal success or company performance, offering some incentive-based upside.

7. Startups or Early-Stage Companies:

   • Joining a startup in a growth-focused role (e.g., BD, partnerships, or operations) can provide equity incentives in addition to performance-based bonuses. However, the risk and reward can vary significantly depending on the company's success.

If you're looking for roles with a mix of strategy, growth, and incentive-based compensation, BD and corporate development seem like strong options. Networking and leveraging your finance background can help bridge the gap without necessarily requiring an MBA.

Sources: The rise of business development roles in the industry, Business Development Versus IB, Lesser known MBA career options? Looking for advice on what to do post-HBS., Transitioning from tech to a serious finance job (yes, you read that right), Best Business Roles at Tech Companies?