Business Development Associate

About us At Orthodontic Experts, we are committed to delivering exceptional patient care and setting the standard for orthodontic excellence. With 32 locations across the greater Chicagoland area, Wisconsin, and Indiana, and continued growth ahead, we are focused on transforming smiles and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. We are looking for team members who are passionate about high-quality care and align with our Core Values: Accountability Continuous Improvement Inclusion Integrity Respect Teamwork Transparency Description The Business Development Associate supports the organization’s growth by researching and evaluating potential markets for new locations, service expansion, and partnerships. This role focuses on gathering data, analyzing competition and demographics, and organizing insights to help leadership make informed expansion decisions. Duties consist of but not limited to Research potential markets for new locations, service expansion, and partnership opportunities by evaluating population size, demographics, insurance mix, competitor presence, referral networks, and overall demand for services in the area Assist with location-level analysis, including proximity to competitors, referral sources, and population centers Gather and organize data from multiple sources (e.g., Google Maps, Dentagraphics, internal systems) to support market research and ensure accuracy Analyze competitors by looking beyond basic listings—review their locations, services, online presence, patient reviews, referral activity, and search visibility (SEO) to understand how they attract and retain patients Identify high-potential referral sources, partnerships, and community opportunities Support development teams with insights on where referral relationships can be built or expanded Track, summarize, and report on market trends, regulatory updates, and competitor activity, highlighting key takeaways that may impact growth Support mapping and visualization of markets (e.g., radius analysis, clustering) Conduct basic field research and support secret shopping efforts to validate findings Flag potential opportunities based on market activity and competitor trends Maintain and update a centralized list of competitors, including key details, and track notable changes such as ownership transitions or potential retirement indicators Maintain internal research trackers and databases Support outreach efforts by organizing information for potential partnerships or acquisitions, including preparation of supporting materials Drill down into specific areas to identify strong real estate opportunities based on demographics, traffic patterns, nearby businesses, and accessibility Compile findings into clear opportunity briefs, spreadsheets and presentations for leadership Skills & Competencies Market research and opportunity analysis Strategic thinking and pattern recognition Competitive analysis and white‑space identificationClear communication of insights and recommendations Strong attention to detail with a growth‑oriented mindset High level of initiative and independence Requirements Required Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Analytics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience 1–3 years of experience in business development, market research, strategy, or growth analysis Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to identify patterns and opportunities Experience synthesizing data into strategic recommendations Valid Driver’s License 10% Travel Preferred Experience in healthcare, dental, or multi‑location service organizations Familiarity with market research tools, demographic databases, and mapping tools Experience supporting expansion, site selection, or partnership development Working Hours / Location Location: 1700 W Higgins Rd Des Plaines, IL 60018; onsite full time Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Benefits (for our full‑time employees) Paid Time Off Holiday Pay Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Accident Insurance Short‑Term Disability Long‑Term Disability Employee Assistance Program Health Savings Account Dependent Care Account 401(k) and matching Pet Insurance Tuition Assistance Program Identity Theft Protection MetLife MetLaw Legal Insurance Transit Reimbursement - Commuter Account Free and discounted Orthodontic Treatment (After 1 year of employment) #J-18808-Ljbffr