Business Development Associate

SUMMARY The Business Development Associate supports the BD Director in driving growth through strategic account management and new business development. Core responsibilities include developing strategic plans for existing and prospective key accounts, drafting proposals and cost models for management review, and providing support on client calls and presentations to advance and close new business opportunities. The role also encompasses CRM management — including logging new opportunities, qualifying leads, and maintaining consistent follow-up on open proposals to ensure pipeline accuracy and momentum. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Collaborating with BD Director to develop strategic plans for existing and future key accounts Maintain and develop relationships with key accounts to maximize penetration and increase revenue generated per account. Engage customers on technical and strategic discussions, effectively communicating Nextern’s engineering capabilities, development approach, and value proposition. Help coordinate the strategy of conference attendance and booths Collaborate with Development and Operations teams to draft proposals and costs models for review by management Update and maintain BD process tools, standard templates, and train cross functional team members on proper use of them. Manage and maintain data in CRM system – entering new opportunities, routine follow up on open proposals, closing lost/won opportunities Support customer calls and presentations to close new business opportunities Monitor overall status of product development and/or manufacturing transfer project to ensure customer expectations are met. Develop and deliver dashboards, presentations, and customer-facing materials that reflect Nextern’s approach. Develop and maintain strong, professional relationships with customer stakeholders across engineering, quality, operations, and leadership teams. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This job has no supervisory responsibilities. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related technical discipline preferred. Minimum of 2 years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge and experience working with cross functional teams. Proven track record of problem-solving skills. Strong time management and multitasking skills to be able to handle multiple internal and external tasks. Persuasive presenter with demonstrated talent in establishing relationships over the phone and in person. Ability to travel approximately 15-25% COMPETENCIES Oral Communication–Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. Written Communication–Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. Teamwork–Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Business Acumen–Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals. Strategic Thinking–Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT Occasionally required to stand Occasionally required to walk Continually required to sit Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl Continually required to talk or hear While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 40 pounds Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision BENEFITS Employer subsidized health insurance and dental insurance for employees Employer HSA contribution 401k plan with a company match 9 paid holidays (including your birthday!) + PTO and Personal days Employee Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and AD&D Life Insurance Salary Range for This Position: $85,000 - $95,000 Nextern is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr