Business Development Associate
Location: Gauteng
Salary: Market Related Salary
Company overview
Lightstone is an intelligent solutions company with strong, industry-specific expertise and core capabilities in data management, GIS, analytics and software development.
We specialize in delivering integrated, online knowledge solutions, batch and real-time data quality solutions, and a broad range of geo-spatial and analytic projects to a range of property, business to consumer, government and financial services clients.
We hire exceptional people and provide them with the environment where they can excel. Our non-corporate culture encourages flexibility, collaboration and innovation.
We pride ourselves in our core values to Encourage Participation, Respond to Changing Needs and Win Together, which are reflected in each development, project, product or service we undertake to deliver.
Role overview
The expectations of a Business Development Associate typically include responsibilities related to identifying, pursuing, and supporting new business opportunities. Here are the core expectations:
Lead Generation & Prospecting
Research and identify potential clients or partners.
Use tools like LinkedIn, CRM databases, or cold outreach to find leads.
Qualify leads through calls, emails, or meetings.
Sales Support
Assist senior sales or business development managers with proposals, presentations, or client follow-ups.
Help prepare pitch decks, case studies, or quotes.
Market Research
Analyse industry trends, competitors, and customer needs.
Gather intelligence to support strategic decision-making.
Pipeline Management
Track opportunities in the CRM (e.g. HubSpot).
Maintain accurate records of interactions and progress.
Collaboration & Coordination
Work closely with marketing, product, and sales teams to align strategies.
Coordinate meetings, demos, or product trials with clients.
Client Relationship Management
Develop rapport with new prospects and support existing client relationships.
Attend and present networking events or conferences, if and when required.
Qualifications/Requirements
Matric
Business and or Sales Degree
Estate Agency qualification would be advantageous
Valid drivers’ licence and own reliable transport
Performance Metrics
Meet KPIs such as number of leads generated, meetings set, proposals sent, and deals influenced or closed.
Provide regular reporting to leadership.
Experience
5 years sales experience with a strong knowledge and understanding of the property market
Key client management
Business Development experience
Technical skills
Computer skills and the ability to work with IT software programs
Good understanding of the Lightstone Toolkit and offering
Good understanding of the Prop Data System and offering
Non-technical skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must have a wealth of initiative
Must have good business skills
Must have good negotiation skills
Must be result-orientated
Must have the ability to identify opportunities
Excellent people skills
Good time management skills and willingness to work to meet sales targets
Must have mobility/own transport as the position requires extensive client visits
Excellent telephone skills required for cold calling and support calls
Positive outlook on life, work and other people
Passionate about sales and working with people
Able to prioritise work and deliver to deadlines
Ability to work well in a team as well as individually