Business Development Officer (BDO)

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated, results-driven and people-focused Business Development Officer (BDO) to join our team in Hobart.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, building relationships with local organisations, and identifying suitable host organisations for our Professional Year students.

The role also requires the ability to work closely with colleagues and students, respond to student queries promptly and support the placement process to ensure students are placed efficiently and within the required timeframes.

About the Professional Year Program

The Professional Year Program is a structured Australian workplace-readiness program designed to help eligible international graduates develop professional skills and gain practical workplace experience in their field.

As part of the program, students undertake a structured internship with an Australian organisation, giving them valuable practical experience and exposure to the Australian workplace.

The Business Development Officer will play an important role in developing relationships with Australian businesses and identifying suitable host organisations where our students can undertake their internship placements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and approach potential host organisations across Hobart and surrounding areas.
• Develop new business opportunities through cold calling, email outreach, networking and face-to-face business visits.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with businesses and key decision-makers.
• Explain our Professional Year internship program and the benefits of hosting a Professional Year intern.
• Identify suitable organisations and progress them through the host organisation onboarding process.
• Follow up consistently with prospective organisations and manage the business development pipeline.
• Attend meetings and face-to-face visits with prospective host organisations.
• Work closely with the placement team to support successful internship placements.
• Respond to student queries promptly and professionally and provide timely assistance with placement-related matters.
• Take ownership of student placement issues and work proactively to resolve them as quickly as possible.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute positively to a supportive team environment.
• Maintain accurate records of business development activities, leads, follow-ups and outcomes.
• Achieve agreed business development targets and contribute to the growth of the Hobart operation.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Confident, professional and comfortable speaking with business owners and senior decision-makers.
• A strong communicator with excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills.
• Proactive and comfortable with cold calling and face-to-face business development.
• Results-driven, persistent and able to follow up opportunities effectively.
• Student-focused, responsive and committed to resolving queries and placement matters promptly.
• A strong team player who works well with colleagues and contributes positively to the workplace.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Well organised with strong time-management skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and respond to urgent placement requirements when necessary.
• Comfortable using email, and other business-development tools.
• Familiar with the Tasmania business community and local market.

Experience

• Previous experience in business development, B2B sales, recruitment, education, professional services or relationship management will be highly regarded.
• Experience working with local businesses and an existing professional network in Hobart will be an advantage.
• Experience in student support, internship placement, recruitment or education services would also be advantageous.
• A current driver's licence and access to a vehicle would be advantageous due to the requirement for face-to-face business visits.

What We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who have the right mindset, someone who actively looks for opportunities, is comfortable making the first approach and is motivated by achieving results.

At the same time, the successful candidate must be collaborative, approachable and student focused. They should be someone who can build strong relationships with colleagues, respond to student needs quickly and take ownership of placement-related issues.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys meeting businesses, building relationships, generating new opportunities and helping students successfully secure their internships.

Location

Hobart, Tasmania

How to Apply

If you are a motivated business development professional who enjoys building relationships, generating new opportunities, and supporting students, we would like to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you would be suitable for the role.

Pay: $35.00 – $45.00 per hour

Work Location: In person