Graduate | Business Development Associate (FinTech)

WatersEdge Solutions; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

WatersEdge Solutions is seeking a Graduate | Business Development Associate to join its Johannesburg team. This role focuses on identifying new business opportunities, engaging prospective clients and supporting international sales across FinTech and SaaS solutions.

No prior sales experience is required; training and mentorship are provided to help you build a long-term career in tech sales and business development.

Qualifications

• Completed Bachelor's degree
• 0–2 years of professional experience
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Research potential clients, industries and markets to identify new business opportunities.
• Generate leads through outbound calls, emails, LinkedIn and other digital channels.
• Identify and engage key decision-makers within prospective client organisations.
• Build and maintain an organised pipeline of potential business opportunities.
• Qualify leads and arrange meetings or product demonstrations for senior sales professionals.
• Support the sales process through consistent follow-ups and professional client engagement.

Skills

English communication

Relationship building

Ambitious/target-driven

Quick learner

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location: Johannesburg | Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: FinTech | Financial Services | B2B SaaS
Experience Level: Graduate / Early Career (0–2 Years)

WatersEdge Solutions is partnering with a leading international FinTech and SaaS business to find an ambitious, confident and commercially minded Graduate | Business Development Associate to join its growing team in Johannesburg.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate looking to launch a career in business development, technology and international sales.

No previous sales experience is required. What matters most is your attitude, communication skills, confidence and willingness to learn. You'll receive hands‑on training and mentorship while gaining exposure to international markets, senior decision-makers and the world of B2B technology sales.

About the Role

As a Business Development Associate, you'll help identify new business opportunities, connect with prospective clients and contribute to the growth of an international technology business.

Working alongside experienced sales professionals, you'll develop practical skills across prospecting, lead generation, client engagement and sales pipeline management.

You'll also gain exposure to financial technology, commercial strategy and international business while learning how to confidently engage senior stakeholders and introduce technology solutions to potential clients.

This role is particularly suited to someone who enjoys connecting with people, thrives on achieving targets and wants to build a long‑term career in sales and business development.

Key Responsibilities

• Research potential clients, industries and markets to identify new business opportunities.
• Generate leads through outbound calls, emails, LinkedIn and other digital channels.
• Identify and engage key decision‑makers within prospective client organisations.
• Build and maintain an organised pipeline of potential business opportunities.
• Qualify leads and arrange meetings or product demonstrations for senior sales professionals.
• Support the sales process through consistent follow‑ups and professional client engagement.
• Develop an understanding of FinTech products, financial markets and B2B SaaS solutions.
• Build relationships with prospective clients, including senior and C‑suite stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, outreach activities and follow‑ups within CRM systems.
• Work towards individual and team sales targets.
• Collaborate with experienced business development professionals to progress commercial opportunities.
• Continuously develop sales, communication and relationship‑building skills.

What You'll Bring

• Completed Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 0–2 years of professional experience, with recent graduates encouraged to apply.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Confidence engaging with people and building professional relationships.
• A genuine interest in sales, business development and commercial growth.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a personable, engaging approach.
• An ambitious, driven and target‑oriented mindset.
• Interest in business, technology, financial services and FinTech.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Willingness to take initiative and ownership of responsibilities.
• Resilience and confidence when dealing with rejection or challenging conversations.
• Ability to learn quickly, accept feedback and continuously improve.
• A positive attitude and enthusiasm for working in a performance‑driven environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.

We're looking for potential, not an extensive CV. If you're confident, motivated and genuinely interested in building a career in sales, this could be an excellent starting point.

Nice to Have

• Previous sales, customer service, marketing or business development exposure through internships, part‑time work or graduate programmes.
• Basic understanding of financial or accounting concepts.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel.
• Exposure to CRM systems.
• Interest in international business, FinTech or SaaS.
• University leadership, entrepreneurship or extracurricular experience demonstrating initiative and drive.

What's On Offer

• Basic salary plus performance‑based commission.
• Comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced sales professionals.
• Clear career progression opportunities towards a Business Development Manager position.
• International exposure through engagement with businesses across global markets.
• Hands‑on experience in B2B sales, lead generation and commercial relationship management.
• Opportunity to engage with senior business leaders and C‑suite executives.
• Hybrid working arrangement based in Johannesburg.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to establish a long‑term career within the growing FinTech and SaaS sectors.

Company Culture

You'll be joining an ambitious, international technology environment where curiosity, initiative and personal accountability are valued.

The team believes in developing talent, encouraging fresh ideas and giving individuals the opportunity to grow through practical experience. It's a collaborative, performance‑focused environment where people are encouraged to challenge themselves, learn from experienced colleagues and take ownership of their development.

This is an excellent fit for someone who wants to build confidence, develop strong commercial skills and grow within an international business.

Please Note: If you have not been contacted within 10 working days, consider your application unsuccessful.