Business Development Manager

About Our Client

Our client runs an AI adoption program for established small and mid-sized businesses. The program helps owners find practical ways to use AI and improve their operations.

About the Role

You will help build the sales pipeline for the program. You’ll work closely with the Sales Lead to find businesses, start conversations, follow up, and bring companies into the program.

This is a hands-on role. It suits someone who enjoys meeting business owners, going to events, making calls and building relationships. You stay with an opportunity until it converts.

What You’ll Do

• Find businesses that fit the program’s target profile
• Create new opportunities through cold calls, LinkedIn, email, referrals, networking and community outreach
• Attend business events, conferences, association meetings and networking events across Brampton, Mississauga and the GTA
• Build relationships with business owners, industry associations, chambers, community groups and ecosystem partners
• Use your network to reach the right decision makers
• Hold first conversations to understand each business’s needs and fit, and work with the Sales Lead to move opportunities forward
• Follow up consistently so opportunities keep moving
• Keep leads, conversations and next steps up to date in the CRM
• Once a company joins, support a smooth handover to the delivery team and flag when Sales should step back in

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (including a postgraduate degree or MBA) in Business, Marketing, Communications or a related field. Equivalent experience may also be considered.
• 5+ years in business development, B2B sales, partnerships, lead generation or a similar client-facing role
• Based in Brampton or Mississauga and familiar with the local business community
• A track record of prospecting, generating qualified leads, managing a pipeline and converting prospects into clients
• An existing network of business owners, SMBs, decision makers or business associations in Brampton, Mississauga and the GTA (strongly preferred)
• Experience working with industry associations, chambers and business networks (preferred)
• Comfortable with cold calling, outbound prospecting, networking and representing an organization at events
• Experience with Zoho or another CRM, plus current digital tools for prospecting and outreach
• Strong communication skills and disciplined follow-up
• A self-starter who creates opportunities instead of waiting for leads, and works well both independently and with a team
• Comfortable working toward clear targets and being accountable for pipeline results
• Able to understand business challenges at a high level and spot opportunities
• A strong interest in AI and a willingness to learn. Prior AI experience is an asset.

How Success Is Measured

Success means creating real opportunities, not just counting calls or emails. Key measures:

• Qualified discovery meetings and opportunities generated
• A healthy pipeline with steady progress
• Consistent, effective follow-up
• Referral relationships and community channels built
• Companies that join the program, helping fill each cohort
• Clean handovers, accurate pipeline data and a good client experience