Business Development Executive

Business Development Executive Location: South Africa Industry: HR & Financial Services Sector: Membership & Professional Networks About the Role We are looking for a proactive, commercially minded Business Development Executive to support membership growth for our client, a professional network connecting HR professionals and organisations across the financial services sector.

This role will focus on identifying and engaging prospective member organisations, building and maintaining a strong prospect pipeline, and converting interest into membership opportunities. You will work closely with the Head of Community Growth to develop relationships with key decision-makers, support new member onboarding and encourage ongoing engagement.

The ideal candidate is a confident communicator who enjoys building relationships, conducting targeted outreach and working towards growth targets. They will also be comfortable using CRM systems, digital tools and AI-enabled technology to improve the efficiency and personalisation of business development activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Development & Membership Growth Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective member organisations across the financial services sector. Research target organisations, identify key HR decision-makers and develop tailored engagement plans. Conduct regular, personalised outreach via LinkedIn, email, telephone and networking opportunities. Identify opportunities to engage prospective members through relevant communications, content, events and networking activities. Work closely with the Head of Community Growth to identify opportunities, arrange meetings and maintain consistent prospect engagement. Support the achievement of membership growth, activity and conversion targets. Turn event attendance and participation into meaningful membership conversations and new business opportunities.
2. CRM & Pipeline Management Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of prospects, members and engagement activity within the CRM system. Track outreach activity, follow-ups, opportunities and interactions throughout the membership acquisition process. Ensure CRM data is accurate, consistent and well organised. Monitor the prospect pipeline and ensure timely follow-ups to maintain momentum and maximise conversion opportunities.
3. Member Onboarding & Relationship Management Support the onboarding of new member organisations, including delivering onboarding presentations where required. Ensure new members are introduced to relevant events, networks, resources and engagement opportunities. Monitor early member engagement and identify opportunities to encourage participation and strengthen relationships. Work collaboratively with the wider team to deliver a positive member experience and support long-term member retention.
4. Marketing Automation & AI-Enabled Outreach Use AI tools to support prospect research, audience segmentation and personalised communications. Identify opportunities to automate prospect nurturing, follow-ups and routine outreach activities. Develop efficient, scalable outreach processes that maintain a personalised approach while supporting membership growth. Explore ways to use technology to improve productivity, engagement and the effectiveness of business development activities.
5. Events & Team Support Assist with invitations, communications and follow-up activities for conferences, events and roundtables. Provide administrative support related to membership growth and prospect engagement. Collaborate with colleagues across membership, events, operations and marketing to support wider business objectives. Ideal Candidate Previous experience in business development, sales, membership development or account management. Experience within a membership organisation would be advantageous. Confident conducting regular outbound outreach and maintaining relationships with a high volume of prospective organisations. Strong research skills, with the ability to identify relevant organisations and key decision-makers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences. Confident engaging and networking with senior HR professionals and other business stakeholders. Proactive, curious, organised and resilient, with a strong follow-up ethic. Comfortable working towards activity, membership growth and conversion targets. Strong CRM, LinkedIn and digital communication skills. Interested in using AI and technology to improve productivity, personalise outreach and streamline processes. Experience within the HR sector would be beneficial but is not essential. What Success Looks Like A consistent and well-managed pipeline of prospective member organisations. Strong prospect engagement and effective follow-up activity. Increased membership enquiries, meetings and conversions. Accurate CRM records and reliable pipeline reporting. A smooth onboarding experience and positive early engagement from new members. Effective use of technology and AI to improve outreach efficiency and support sustainable membership growth.