Senior Business Development Representative

Founded in 2009, Zest AI has been pioneering innovative AI technology with a mission to expand credit access to create opportunities for more Americans to pursue their financial goals. Zest AI is transforming the $17 trillion US consumer credit market by delivering AI technology that helps lenders identify creditworthy borrowers overlooked by traditional methods, while leveling the playing field so financial institutions of all sizes can harness AI to provide better lending experiences.The experience expected from applicants, as well as additional skills and qualifications needed for this job are listed below.With over 50 issued and pending patents across automation, accuracy, performance, and model explainability, Zest AI is a leader in financial technology, providing financial institutions with AI tools that create a more resilient US financial system and a stronger U.S. economy. With over 600 active AI models, financial institutions rely on Zest AI's comprehensive suite of solutions spanning marketing, underwriting, fraud detection, lending intelligence, and more to make smarter lending decisions while improving profitability. This US-based technology as a service company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.Zest is hiring for a Senior Business Development Representative to help us drive new client development and acquisition through our next phase of growth. Reporting to the Manager of Business Development, the Senior Business Development Representative takes ownership of complex prospecting motions, serves as a strategic partner to Account Executives, and plays a leading role in shaping how we build pipeline at scale.In This Role You Will:Own and drive new business pipeline for Account Executives, leading outbound prospecting strategy across assigned territoryManage and qualify inbound leads driven by outbound efforts and conference follow-up, applying judgment to prioritize high-value opportunitiesDevelop and execute multi-touch nurture campaigns for early- and mid-stage opportunitiesLead outbound cold calling and outreach, consistently breaking into senior decision-maker levelsAct as a strategic partner to core sellers — proactively identifying, sourcing, and advancing net new pipeline through deep account research and persona mappingDrive meeting preparation by aligning with internal account teams and contributing market and account intelligenceMap organizational structures to identify and engage key economic buyers and champions within target accountsProcess experimentation (help create or test outbound campaigns, sequences, and messaging)Mentorship & Leadership without direct managementAct as a peer coachor mentor for newer SDRsShare templates, strategies, and tools that have worked to improve team performanceSeen as a go-to resource on the teamWe are looking for:3+ years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field, with a track record of consistent quota attainmentSkilled communicator: an extremely clear and direct communicator who takes a consultative, value-led approach with excellent verbal and written communication skillsProven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment — you think creatively, bring fresh angles to outreach, and consistently deliver high-quality workDeep experience with account planning, prospecting, and cold calling across large account lists, including C-suite and VP-level engagementStrong CRM hygiene — maintains accurate and up-to-date records of all sales activities, opportunities, and account informationDemonstrated history of exceeding sales metrics and year-over-year quota attainmentAbility to travel domestically approximately once a month for events and conferencesProficiency with Salesforce/CRM and LinkedIn Sales Navigator strongly preferredExperience in FinTech, financial services, or B2B SaaS strongly preferredPerks and benefitsAll Zestys experience:The opportunity to join a mission-focused companyPeople – the best part of ZestRobust medical, dental and vision insurance plansAnnual bonus plan participation401(k) with generous matchEmployee Awards and Recognition11 company holidaysWinter break (office closed between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day)Unlimited vacation timeEmployee Resource Groups and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion forumsGenerous family leave policy (12 week maternity leave / 6 week paternity leave)Phone and internet allowanceEmployee gatherings, including quarterly Town Hall meetingsOur Burbank, CA area, hybrid model (typically 1 day/week) Zestys also enjoy:Complimentary daily lunches from LA's best restaurants and a fully stocked kitchenBeautiful, modern, dog-friendly office with lounge and gaming areasComplimentary manicures, pedicures, and mindfulness sessionsReimbursable membership to the onsite gymCompany happy hours, social events, outings, volunteer opportunities and much more!Onsite car wash serviceAbout Zest AI:Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are and where we're headed in the future. We know that unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation, and succeed together. Zest is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages professionals from underrepresented groups in technology and financial services to apply. xhyhwjd Our core values are Collaboration, Communication, Client-centricity, Bias for Action, and Heart.Learn more at and connect with us on _AI or our Insights blog ( ).