Innovation & New Business Associate

Core Group; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Gauteng is looking for an Innovation & New Business Associate to support client proposals and coordinate new initiatives. This hands-on role requires a degree in Business or Marketing, along with 1-3 years of relevant experience. Ideal candidates will be organized, have excellent communication skills, and a curious mindset. This position provides exposure to the full innovation lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years' experience in business development or project coordination.
• Experience or interest in entrepreneurship or innovation projects is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop impactful client proposals and presentations.
• Coordinate follow-ups post client engagements.
• Assist in launching new initiatives and pilots.
• Conduct focused research on market trends.
• Coordinate workshops and internal communications.

Skills

Written communication skills

Organizational skills

Commercial and analytical thinking

Proficiency in PowerPoint

Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets

Basic research skills

Education

Degree in Business, Marketing, or related discipline

Job description

The iStore is looking for aInnovation & New Business Associate that will play a key role in the innovation space, focusing on the development and implementation of new business initiatives, client proposals, and internal projects. It’s a hands-on, high-energy position that blends creativity, commercial thinking, and project coordination, perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative sales driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Client Proposals & Business Development Support

• Develop, refine and format impactful client-facing proposals and presentations.

• Coordinate follow-ups post client engagements, ensuring momentum and clarity on next steps.

• Work with internal teams to gather the necessary inputs, documentation and timelines for new business opportunities.

Project Coordination & Implementation

• Assist in launching new initiatives and pilots driven by the innovation team.

• Create structured action plans and manage the delivery of key project milestones.

• Track progress, manage task handovers, and ensure deadlines are met across teams.

Market Research & Idea Validation

• Conduct focused research on market trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscapes.

• Support the development of business cases and opportunity assessments through data collection, benchmarking, and concept testing.

Internal Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate and facilitate workshops, brainstorming sessions, and internal check-ins to evolve new ideas.

• Capture meeting notes, feedback, and next steps; translate ideas into actionable briefs or tasks.

• Act as the bridge between departments — including marketing, operations, legal, and product — to ensure alignment on innovation projects.

Education & Experience

• A degree in Business, Marketing, or a related commercial discipline.

• 1–3 years’ experience in business development, project coordination, consulting, or a commercial support role.

• Experience or interest in entrepreneurship, startups, or innovation projects will be an advantage.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in proposal writing and presentations.

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and follow-through.

• Comfortable with ambiguity and fast-moving projects.

• A curious mindset with strong commercial and analytical thinking.

• Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel or Google Sheets, and basic research tools.
  

At iStore, innovation is part of who we are, from how we serve our customers to the way we launch new ideas. This role offers the chance to be at the centre of new business thinking, working closely with leaders across the company. You’ll gain exposure to the full lifecycle of innovation: from idea to implementation.

If you're hungry to learn, eager to grow, and excited about creating the future, this is the place for you.