Business Development Executive

Talent Shore Ltd.; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Shore Ltd. is seeking a proactive Business Development Executive in Johannesburg to drive membership growth for a professional HR network serving the financial services sector.

You will identify prospective member organisations, build a robust pipeline, and convert interest into memberships, partnering with the Head of Community Growth. You will engage senior HR decision-makers via LinkedIn, email and calls, while leveraging CRM tools and AI-enabled technology to personalise outreach and

Qualifications

• Experience in business development, membership development or account management is preferred.
• Proficient in outbound outreach and building relationships with a high volume of organisations.
• Strong CRM and digital communication skills; ability to tailor messages for different audiences.
• Experience in HR sector is beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective member organisations across the financial services sector.
• Research target organisations and key HR decision-makers; develop tailored engagement plans.
• Conduct regular, personalised outreach via LinkedIn, email, telephone and networking opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to engage prospective members through events, content and communications.
• Support onboarding of new members and ensure a positive early engagement experience.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and track engagement and conversion activity.

Skills

CRM

LinkedIn outreach

Research skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Organised

Follow-up discipline

AI tools usage

Tools

CRM system

LinkedIn

AI tools

Job description

Johannesburg, South Africa

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.
• 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.
• 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.