Business Development Associate

We are looking for an energetic and ambitious Business Development Associate to join a dynamic team in Johannesburg. This is a client-facing, consultative role where you will help grow business opportunities, support high-value engagements, and learn from an experienced transformational leader. You will be working across corporate, public sector, and community clients, helping to bring impactful workshops, speaking engagements, and advisory services to life.

This role is relationship-driven rather than purely administrative or cold-calling, giving you the chance to develop strategic business skills while building meaningful client connections.

• Business Development & Client Engagement: Identify and support new business opportunities, partnerships, and client relationships; assist in outreach, qualification, and engagement with prospective clients; track and grow opportunities from initial interest to formal engagements.

• Representation & Delivery Support: Act as a trusted liaison in client discussions, ensuring clear and compelling positioning of services; support contract preparation, proposals, and pricing; assist in tailoring engagement solutions for workshops, keynotes, and advisory interventions.

• Events & Programme Support: Help coordinate logistics and programme content for workshops, summits, and events; provide backup support during events and client engagements.

• Market Insight & Reporting: Monitor trends and competitor offerings in leadership development, consulting, and corporate advisory; share insights and recommendations to help improve client engagement strategies.

Experience & Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing, Communications, Leadership, or related field

• Experience in business development, client engagement, sales support, or partnerships

• Exposure to professional services, consulting, leadership development, or facilitation is a plus

• Experience with public speaking, event coordination, or workshop facilitation is advantageous

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Comfortable building and nurturing client relationships

• Energetic, proactive, and adaptable

• Creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills

• Organised with good planning and prioritisation abilities

Personality & Culture Fit

• Eager to learn and develop professionally

• Warm, approachable, and confident

• Values-driven, with a desire to make meaningful commercial impact

• Thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment

• Hands-on experience in business development and client relationship management

• Exposure to high-level strategic leadership, advisory, and speaking engagements

• Mentorship and learning opportunities from an established transformational leader

• Performance-driven remuneration and clear opportunities for growth