Business Development Specialist

Are you a natural connector who enjoys building relationships, expanding professional networks, and opening doors to new business opportunities?

We're seeking a Business Development Specialist to strengthen our sales pipeline through strategic relationship development, lead generation, and partnership-building efforts. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on networking, creating meaningful business connections, and helping organizations solve workforce challenges.

This is not a full-cycle sales role. Instead, you'll focus on generating qualified opportunities for our sales team by cultivating referral partnerships, engaging prospective clients, and increasing our presence within the business community.

What You'll Do

As a Business Development Specialist, you will:

• Develop and maintain relationships with prospective clients, referral partners, brokers, accountants, financial professionals, and community organizations.
• Generate qualified leads and schedule introductory meetings for the sales team through proactive outreach and networking activities.
• Build strategic referral partnerships that expand our business network and create ongoing opportunities.
• Conduct outreach through cold calling, email campaigns, LinkedIn engagement, networking events, and community involvement.
• Identify opportunities for Payroll, Human Capital Management (HCM), Human Resources Consulting, Insurance, and PEO services.
• Collaborate closely with sales and marketing leadership to support pipeline growth initiatives.
• Coordinate discovery meetings between qualified prospects and sales representatives.
• Nurture relationships through consistent follow-up and ongoing communication.
• Represent the company at chamber events, trade associations, business functions, and networking events.
• Track relationship-building activities, leads, and opportunities within the CRM system.
• Help identify cross-selling and expansion opportunities within existing client relationships.
• Stay informed on workforce trends, payroll industry developments, compliance issues, and competitive offerings.

What Makes You Successful

You are someone who:

• Enjoys meeting new people and building professional relationships.
• Has a strong ability to open doors and create business opportunities.
• Is proactive, self-motivated, and highly organized.
• Possesses excellent communication and networking skills.
• Follows through consistently and manages multiple priorities effectively.
• Is comfortable engaging with business owners, executives, and community leaders.
• Understands how to uncover business challenges and connect prospects with solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Human Resources, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 2+ years of experience in business development, lead generation, relationship management, networking, or a similar role preferred.
• Experience within payroll, HR services, PEO, benefits, staffing, banking, insurance, or other professional services industries strongly preferred.
• Experience using CRM systems, LinkedIn, Microsoft Office, and virtual communication tools.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally for meetings, networking events, and community activities.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to play a critical role in the company's growth strategy.
• Relationship-focused position without the pressure of closing sales.
• Collaborative team environment with strong support from sales and marketing leadership.
• Opportunity to build an extensive professional network within the business community.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Meaningful work helping organizations improve their payroll, HR, compliance, and workforce management solutions.