Business Development Associate

Location: Costain / Iganmu - Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description

• The Business Development Associate is responsible for supporting the company's revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities, generating leads, nurturing client relationships, and contributing to the acquisition of new accounts. The role works closely with the Business Development Lead and cross-functional teams to drive business growth, expand the client base, and strengthen the company's market presence.
• The ideal candidate is proactive, commercially minded, and skilled at building relationships, conducting market research, and supporting the development of proposals and pitches that convert prospects into clients.

Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Lead Generation:

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across target industries and service areas.
• Conduct outreach activities through email, phone calls, networking, referrals, and social platforms.
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of qualified leads and prospects.
• Support the execution of business development strategies aimed at achieving revenue targets.

Market Research & Opportunity Identification:

• Identify potential clients and decision-makers within target organizations.
• Conduct market and competitor research to identify emerging trends and growth opportunities.
• Monitor industry developments and provide insights that support business development efforts.

Client Engagement & Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain positive relationships with prospective clients.
• Schedule and participate in client meetings, presentations, and discovery sessions.
• Support the onboarding process for newly acquired clients.
• Follow up on inquiries, proposals, and ongoing opportunities to drive conversions.

Proposal Development & Sales Support:

• Support negotiations and commercial discussions as required.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop tailored solutions that meet client needs.
• Assist in preparing proposals, presentations, capability documents, and pitch materials.

Reporting & Performance Tracking:

• Ensure proper documentation of all business development activities.
• Maintain accurate records of leads, opportunities, and client interactions.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports on business development progress and outcomes.
• Track pipeline performance and business development activities.

Internal Collaboration:

• Work closely with Strategy, Creative, Client Service, Production, and Operations teams to ensure alignment between client needs and service delivery.
• Support cross-functional initiatives that contribute to company growth and client acquisition.

Key Performance Expectations (KPEs)

• Maintain strong client engagement and relationship management standards throughout the sales process.
• Ensure 100% accuracy and timeliness of pipeline and business development reports.
• Achieve agreed monthly and quarterly lead generation targets.
• Support the acquisition of new clients that contribute to annual revenue targets.
• Ensure at least 90% timely follow-up on all qualified leads and client inquiries.
• Maintain an active pipeline of qualified prospects and opportunities.
• Support the achievement of departmental revenue and growth objectives.
• Achieve minimum prospect-to-meeting and meeting-to-proposal conversion targets.
• Contribute to the successful submission of proposals and pitches within agreed timelines.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to revenue growth and client acquisition initiatives.
• Experience within an advertising agency, media company, marketing communications firm, or consulting environment is an advantage.
• 2–3 years of experience in business development, sales, client acquisition, or a related role.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Mass Communication, Economics, or a related field.

Skills and Abilities:

• Good negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM tools.
• Strong research and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent relationship-building and networking ability.
• Strong prospecting and lead generation skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of business growth principles.

Additional Information:

• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Represent the company professionally during all client interactions and industry engagements.