Junior Business Development Representative – Consumer Brands & Marketing Partnerships

Aquent; Los Gatos (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is a performance-based consumer marketing and customer acquisition partner seeking a Junior Business Development Representative. You will handle discovery calls, present tailored solutions, and close business with consumer brands.

The role emphasizes relationship-building rather than cold calling and operates with a dedicated prospecting function. Based in Los Gatos, CA, you’ll engage marketing professionals across beauty, skincare, fashion, lifestyle and e-commerce, traveling 2–3 times

Qualifications

• 1–2+ years of sales or related client-facing experience.
• Familiarity with consumer brands and the DTC/e-commerce landscape.
• Strong verbal and written communication for engaging marketing decision-makers.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and CRM tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full sales cycle from discovery to closing and account development.
• Build relationships with consumer brands across beauty, skincare, fashion, lifestyle and e-commerce.
• Sell advertising and customer acquisition solutions to expand audience reach and drives leads.
• Own and track your sales pipeline and follow up on opportunities.

Skills

Sales experience

DTC/e-commerce familiarity

Communication skills

CRM tools familiarity

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM tools

Job description

Role: Junior Business Development Manager – Inside Sales Consumer Brands & Marketing Partnerships

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: 1–2+ years preferred

Compensation: Base Salary $70K-$85K + Commission

About the Opportunity

Aquent is partnering with a performance-based consumer marketing and customer acquisition company that helps consumer brands grow their audiences, expand email databases, and drive customer acquisition through collaborative marketing campaigns and strategic brand partnerships. We're looking for an ambitious, relationship-driven Junior Business Development Representative who understands the world of consumer brands and wants to build a career in sales.

You'll work with brands across beauty, skincare, fashion, lifestyle, and e-commerce, helping their marketing teams discover new opportunities to reach highly relevant consumers.

Think recognizable direct-to-consumer (DTC) companies.

***This is not a traditional cold-calling sales role. The company has a dedicated prospecting function that generates leads and schedules meetings for you. Your responsibility is to build relationships, understand prospective clients' marketing goals, close business, and develop long-term partnerships.

What You'll Do

• Manage the full sales cycle: Conduct discovery calls, identify client needs, present tailored solutions, negotiate agreements, and close business.
• Build relationships with consumer brands: Engage with marketing professionals across beauty, skincare, fashion, lifestyle, retail, and DTC/e-commerce companies.
• Sell advertising and customer acquisition solutions: Explain how collaborative marketing campaigns can expand audience reach, generate qualified leads, and grow email and SMS subscriber lists.
• Convert initial campaigns into ongoing partnerships: Follow up with participating brands, identify additional opportunities, and transition trial engagements into paid annual agreements.
• Maintain high-touch client relationships: Provide consistent, personalized communication throughout the sales process and beyond.
• Own your sales pipeline: Track prospect conversations, proposals, next steps, and follow-ups to keep opportunities moving forward.
• Conduct virtual and in-person meetings: Present solutions to prospective partners and marketing decision-makers nationwide.
• Represent the company at industry events: Attend conferences, trade shows, and client meetings approximately 2–3 times per month.
• Collaborate with internal teams: Work closely with leadership and sales colleagues to support client acquisition and improve sales processes.
• Expand your sales expertise: Develop a working knowledge of both consumer-focused and B2B marketing solutions.

What We're Looking For

• 2–3 years of experience in sales, business development, account management, advertising, or a related client-facing role.
• Familiarity with consumer brands and the DTC/e-commerce landscape, ideally including beauty, skincare, fashion, lifestyle, or retail.
• Understanding of digital marketing concepts, including customer acquisition, audience development, email marketing, and online advertising.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to engage directly with marketing professionals and decision-makers.
• Consultative sales skills, including the ability to understand business objectives and communicate relevant solutions.
• Exceptional organizational skills and follow-through, with the ability to independently manage multiple active opportunities and client relationships.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach and the confidence to lead sales conversations and ask for the business.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving environment with evolving processes.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and familiarity with CRM tools or other sales tracking systems.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Availability to work onsite in Los Gatos, CA, five days per week, with approximately 2–3 trips per month.

Nice to Have

• Experience selling advertising, digital marketing, customer acquisition, or brand partnership solutions.
• Previous experience working with consumer brands, e-commerce companies, or marketing teams.
• Familiarity with sweepstakes, promotional marketing, influencer campaigns, or co-marketing partnerships.
• Experience managing the full sales cycle, including closing and account development.
• Experience converting introductory programs or trial customers into recurring revenue relationships.
• Familiarity with the broader DTC and e-commerce landscape.

You don't need to be an expert in every brand or marketing strategy. We're looking for someone with genuine curiosity about consumer brands, strong relationship-building instincts, and the ability to learn quickly.

Why This Opportunity?

• Warm, scheduled sales meetings: A dedicated team handles prospecting and books meetings, allowing you to focus on conversations, relationships, and closing business.
• Exposure to recognizable brands: Work with marketing decision-makers across consumer-focused industries.
• Commission earning potential: Earn additional compensation based on sales performance.
• Career development: Gain experience managing the full sales cycle, from discovery through closing and account expansion.
• Broader sales experience: Cross-train across multiple marketing solutions and learn different sales approaches.
• Direct access to leadership: Work closely with an experienced team that is invested in your growth.
• Collaborative work environment: Join a hands-on team that values initiative, accountability, and communication.

Ready to Grow Your Sales Career?

If you're interested in consumer brands, enjoy building professional relationships, and want to develop your skills in marketing technology and business development, we'd love to hear from you.