Business Development & Lead Generation Intern (Graduate Workplace Learning programme)

Purpose of the role:

• Conducting market research to identify prospective employers and strategic partners.
• Researching industries, organisations and sectors aligned with workforce sustainability solutions.
• Identifying opportunities arising from B-BBEE, ESG, ESD, graduate development and youth employment initiatives.
• Maintaining prospect databases and market intelligence records.
• Monitoring competitor activity and emerging market trends.

• Identifying and qualifying prospective clients.
• Conducting initial outreach through approved communication channels.
• Scheduling introductory meetings for Business Growth and Executive Management.
• Maintaining accurate prospect records within the CRM/company customer database.
• Following up on marketing-generated enquiries.
• Assisting in nurturing prospective client relationships.

• Updating pipeline trackers and CRM systems.
• Monitoring opportunity progression through the sales cycle.
• Supporting lead qualification activities.
• Tracking conversion ratios and pipeline health.
• Escalating opportunities requiring management attention.

• Supporting lead generation campaigns.
• Assisting with business development events and networking initiatives.
• Coordinating follow-up activities arising from campaigns.
• Preparing prospecting lists for targeted outreach.
• Supporting account-based marketing initiatives.
• Assisting with employer engagement activities.

• Preparing meeting packs and client briefing notes.
• Coordinating introductory meetings.
• Maintaining records of customer interactions.
• Supporting customer experience initiatives.
• Assisting with proposal coordination and follow-up activities.
• Demonstrating professional communication at all times.

• Preparing weekly pipeline reports.
• Tracking lead generation performance.
• Monitoring campaign-to-opportunity conversion.
• Assisting with sales dashboards.
• Supporting analysis of business development performance.
• Identifying trends and recommending improvements.

• Participating in mentoring and coaching sessions.
• Developing consultative selling skills.
• Applying feedback to improve performance.
• Building confidence in customer engagement.
• Demonstrating professionalism, accountability and continuous learning.

• South African unemployed youth aged 18–34.
• National Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 6 or higher) in:
  • Marketing
  • Business Management
  • Sales Management
  • Commerce
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Public Relations
  • Economics or a related qualification.

• Microsoft Office Suite.
• CRM systems.
• Market research.
• Prospecting techniques.
• Business communication.
• Sales reporting.
• Presentation preparation.
• Customer relationship management.
• LinkedIn Sales Navigator and digital prospecting tools (advantageous).
• Responsible use of AI-enabled productivity tools to support research, customer profiling and communication preparation.

• Commercial awareness.
• Customer focus.
• Initiative.
• Resilience.
• Confidence.
• Communication skills.
• Networking ability.
• Planning and organising.
• Collaboration.
• Adaptability.
• Accountability.
• Continuous learning.

• Ability to sit for extended periods
• Fine dexterity to operate computer, calculator and other office equipment.
• Visual alertness to inspect documents for accuracy.
• Ability to hear and speak to exchange information.
• Ability to occasionally bend, stoop and reach for work tools of trade etc.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry standard office items/tools of trade.
• Ability to attend work at least in normal business hours.
• Ability to stay alert and sustain effectiveness through antisocial hours in times of emergencies or conflicting deadlines/work under pressure
• Ability to endure at least local and regional business travel as required by either road, and or air
• Able to balance office-based work while balancing customer engagement demands.