Business Development Associate

Position Overview: 

As a Business Development Associate at Circles, you’ll play a pivotal role in fueling our growth by identifying, engaging, and qualifying new business opportunities across North America. Focused on key verticals—including Healthcare, Corporate, and Hospitality—you will connect with senior decision-makers, uncover their needs, and spark meaningful conversations that build a strong, high-quality pipeline.  

This is a high-impact, highly collaborative role ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and is energized by research, outreach, and strategic relationship-building. You’ll work closely with the Vice President of Business Development, as well as sales, marketing, and cross-functional teams, to execute a consultative go-to-market approach. 

You’re a motivated self-starter with a track record of exceeding goals, bringing fresh ideas, and navigating complex organizations. You know how to work independently while staying aligned with broader team objectives—and you’re excited to grow your career in a company that values innovation, curiosity, and execution. 

Annual salary range is $65k to $75k per year, plus commission

Job Responsibilities: 

• Research and identify high-potential companies and contacts using industry data, prospecting tools, and market insights.  

• Engage prospective clients through thoughtful, multi-channel outreach to understand business needs and pain points.  

• Qualify leads and schedule and execute discovery meetings. 

• Develop targeted prospect lists and outreach strategies in collaboration with the VP of Business Development.  

• Generate a consistent volume of qualified opportunities through outbound campaigns and follow-up on inbound interest.  

• Collaborate with marketing and sales to align on messaging, outreach campaigns, and lead nurturing efforts.  

• Develop and refine outreach content such as email templates, call scripts, and sales briefings.  

• Manage and track activity, pipeline progress, and performance metrics in Salesforce.  

• Build internal relationships across Sodexo business units to identify synergies and open new doors.  

• Partner with Account Management and Operations teams to ensure early-stage alignment with delivery capabilities.  

• Maintain a strong understanding of Circles’ service offerings and industry trends.  

• Contribute ideas and feedback to improve team strategy, tools, and processes.    

• Assist in developing personalized outreach materials, including email templates, value propositions, and briefings.  

• Manage to and meet defined activity, conversion, pipeline and revenue objectives. 

• Respond to customers' questions about products, services and prices in a timely manner.  

• Other job-related duties as assigned. 

Competencies 

• Proven success using a consultative sales approach—preferably in a services or solution-based industry.  

• Smart, competitive, enthusiastic, and driven by results.  

• Comfortable initiating conversations with executive-level contacts and quickly building rapport.  

• Strong communication, presentation, and active listening skills.  

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.  

• Curious, resourceful, and self-motivated with a desire to learn and grow.  

• Thrive under pressure and in fast-moving environments.  

• Present a professional and approachable demeanor.  

• Previous experience in hospitality or concierge services is a plus. 

Requirements 

• 2+ years of experience in business development, lead generation, inside sales, or a related B2B prospecting role.  

• Familiarity with CRM tools (Salesforce preferred) and prospecting platforms (e.g., LinkedIn Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo, etc.).  

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred.  

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).  

• Ability to travel up to 25% 

• Medical, dental, vision Insurance starting the first day of the month after hire
• Long term and short-term disability insurance paid for by Circles
• 401k with match
• Life insurance paid for by Circles
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid holidays
• Access to discount programs
• 30 day paid sabbatical
• HSA/FSA account eligibility
• Access to Employee Assistance Program