Strategic Business Development Associate

About Us: At International Development Resources (IDR), we believe that our greatest asset is our people. We're a diverse, passionate, and forward-thinking team that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. When you join IDR, you become part of a global network dedicated to building technology that transforms businesses and makes a real-world impact.

The Opportunity:
We are seeking a Strategic Business Development Associate who thrives on deep research and analytical problem-solving. Unlike traditional high-volume sales roles, our philosophy is Quality over Quantity. You will spend the majority of your time conducting competitive intelligence and mapping organizational structures to uncover the specific "triggers" that make our services a catalyst for a prospect's success. Your goal is to break through the noise with highly personalized, insight-driven outreach that secures discovery meetings with the "right" decision-makers.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities):

• Research & Market Intelligence (50%): Conduct deep dives into target industries (QSR, Fitness, Retail) and analyze earnings calls, news, and social activity to find the "hook" that makes our services relevant.
• Strategic Outreach (30%): Craft highly personalized, research-backed communications (Email, LinkedIn) and schedule discovery calls for the senior sales team.
• AI & Tool Management: Set up and maintain AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Alerts) and databases (Winmo, ZoomInfo) to pull daily industry insights and maintain a competitive edge.
• Network Mapping: Identify key decision-makers and map organizational structures to find strategic connections within our existing network.
• Collaboration & Enablement (20%): Assist sales teams in meeting preparation by providing detailed background materials and maintain precise records in HubSpot.
• Continuous Learning: Participate in vertical-specific learning sessions to ensure a deep understanding of the media and consultancy marketplace.

Our Core Tooling & Concepts:

• Research Tools: Winmo, ZoomInfo, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Google Alerts
• AI & Productivity: ChatGPT, HubSpot (CRM)
• Vertical Focus: QSR (Quick Service Restaurants), Casual Dining, Fitness, Multi-location Retail
• Core Services: Media Planning/Buying, AI/ML Consultancy, Data Privacy, Marketing Efficiency

What We're Looking For (Qualifications):

• Relevant Experience: 5+ years of experience in strategic research or business development role
• Research Specialist: You genuinely enjoy "digging" into companies and industries to find hidden opportunities.
• Communication: Strong written communication skills with the ability to maintain a professional presence when engaging with senior executives.
• Strategic Mindset: An understanding of B2C brands and the ability to connect business challenges to technical solutions.
• Highly Organized: Self-directed with the ability to manage complex research workflows and maintain accurate CRM data.
• Interest: A legitimate interest in the marketing, media, and business consultancy industries.

Bonus Skills and Experience:

• Professional background in marketing, consulting, agency, or media environments.
• Experience with MarTech or Analytics tools.
• An existing network in target industries like QSR, Fitness, or multi-location brands.

Why Join Us?

• Everyone Has a Voice: Open communication, feedback, and discussion are encouraged. We make sure everyone is heard, considered, and respected.
• Work-Life Flexibility: Life outside the office is critical for your well-being. We give employees space and autonomy to make room for what's most important to them.
• Room to Grow: We support career growth through ongoing learning, internal mobility, and opportunities to lead. When you grow, we grow.
• Differences Celebrated: Unique perspectives drive better outcomes. We embrace diversity of thought, background, and experience in everything we do.
• Collaborative: We work as one team across offices and disciplines. Shared goals, mutual respect, and open dialogue keep us aligned.