Junior Business Development Apprentice

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 67,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Mentorship

Potential permanent employment

Career advancement opportunities

Professional environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Junior Business Development Apprentice to learn client relations, strategic growth, and sales support within a professional team. You will work with senior management to gain hands-on experience and contribute to targets and partnerships.

This apprenticeship offers mentorship, exposure to diverse business strategies, and potential progression to permanent roles upon successful completion.

Qualifications

• Matric certificate or equivalent required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic understanding of sales principles and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Identify and research potential clients and market opportunities in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas.
• Assist senior sales team in preparing proposals, presentations, and sales collateral.
• Engage with prospective clients through various channels to gather information and schedule meetings.
• Maintain and update the CRM with accurate data.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for sales strategies.
• Conduct market research on industry trends and competitor activity relevant to services.
• Shadow senior business development managers to learn negotiation and closing techniques.
• Provide administrative support to the business development department.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Strong communication

MS Office proficiency

Proactive attitude

Organizational skills

Sales basics

Team collaboration

Education

Matric certificate or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing consultancy firm based in the heart of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an enthusiastic and driven Junior Business Development Apprentice to join their team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual eager to learn the intricacies of business development, client relations, and strategic growth within a supportive and professional environment. The apprentice will work closely with senior management, gaining invaluable hands‑on experience and contributing to the company's ongoing success. This role is ideal for someone with a keen interest in sales, marketing, and strategic planning, looking to kick‑start a rewarding career in the business sector. You will be an integral part of a team dedicated to achieving ambitious targets and fostering strong client partnerships. The learning curve is steep, but the rewards, both in terms of knowledge and career progression, are significant.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in identifying and researching potential new clients and market opportunities within Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas.
• Support the senior sales team in preparing proposals, presentations, and sales collateral.
• Engage with prospective clients through various communication channels, gathering information and scheduling meetings.
• Maintain and update the client relationship management (CRM) system with accurate and timely data.
• Participate in team meetings, contributing ideas for sales strategies and client engagement.
• Conduct market research to understand industry trends and competitor activities relevant to our client's services.
• Shadow experienced business development managers to learn best practices in negotiation and closing deals.
• Provide administrative support to the business development department as required.

Requirements

• A strong desire to learn and grow within a business development context.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Basic understanding of sales principles and customer service.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• A proactive attitude with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be eligible to work in SouthAfrica and reside in or near Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
• A matric certificate or equivalent qualification is required.
• Previous exposure to a corporate or sales environment, while not essential, would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Comprehensive on‑the‑job training and mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Opportunity for permanent employment upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
• Exposure to diverse business strategies and client interactions.
• A professional and collaborative work environment.
• Potential for salary review and career advancement within the company.
• Gain practical skills in sales, marketing, and strategic analysis.