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.