Business Development Executive

At Koala we believe that designing better habitats leads to better lives – for our people, our planet, and the communities we're part of. For a decade we have been perfecting our approach to furniture design; creating beautiful, flexible, innovative and sustainable products that solve the needs of real people.

Why we have this role @ Koala

The Business Development Executive role is central to Koala Commercial team's ambition to revolutionise the B2B furniture landscape across Australia. In this role you will be responsible for proactively identifying, qualifying and nurturing high-value leads, building robust client relationships, and directly supporting strategic business development initiatives to achieve ambitious revenue targets. You'll be instrumental in expanding our market presence and driving tactical execution of our growth strategy. 

What key responsibilities does this role have @ Koala?

• Strategic Lead Generation & Acquisition:
  Proactively identify and qualify, high-potential Tier A/B commercial and trade clients (accommodation, residential/commercial designers and builders) through diverse online and offline channels, ensuring a robust pipeline of opportunities for conversion.
• Sales Opportunity Management:
  Manage the early stages of the sales cycle from initial inquiry and qualification, nurturing leads to create qualified opportunities. Facilitate seamless handovers for larger or complex deals, and drive simpler client sign-ups and onboarding for designated accounts.
• Client Engagement and Proposal Delivery:
  Deliver persuasive and customised sales presentations, proposals, and quotations effectively articulating Koala Commercial's value proposition to prospective clients. Assist in the preparation of more complex proposals under the guidance of the Head of B2B.
• Client Relationship Building & Support:
  Cultivate and maintain strong working partnerships with leads and newly acquired accounts, ensuring initial client satisfaction and identifying opportunities for further engagement or handover. .
• Sales Initiative Implementation
  : Execute tasks and activities aligned with key sales and marketing initiatives set forth by the Head of B2B, directly contributing to the achievement of B2B and overall company revenue targets.
• CRM Management:
  Utilising a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track sales progress, manage leads, and report on performance.
• Market Research:
  Keeping up-to-date with industry trends, competitor activities, and client needs to inform sales strategies.
• Collaboration:
  Working closely with other teams, such as marketing, product development, and customer service, to align offerings and ensure a seamless customer experience.
• Networking & Brand Advocacy:
  Actively participate in industry events and trade shows to network, generate qualified leads, and effectively promote the Koala Commercial brand.

Ideal background...

• 2-4 years of Experience:
   In a direct B2B sales, lead generation, or sales support experience, ideally within the furniture, interior design, or a related commercial product environment.
• Communication Skills:
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for interacting with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Sales Proficiency: :
  Demonstrated success in lead generation, effective sales presentations, fundamental negotiation skills, and closing qualified leads.
  Lead Hunting:
  Knows how to use LinkedIn to hunt for new business or has a desired interest to learn.
• Interpersonal Skills:
  The ability to build rapport, establish trust, and maintain strong client relationships.
• Strategic Problem-Solving & Value Creation:
  Exceptional ability to proactively identify and resolve client challenges, translate needs into tailored product solutions, and consistently create value for clients that drive sales.
• Organisational Skills:
  The ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Product Knowledge:
  A strong understanding of Koala's product range and values.
• CRM Proficiency:
  Familiarity with CRM systems for B2B sales management and reporting.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel.

Treehouse Perks and Privileges…

Koala is only great when its employees are happy — and we're one happy bunch

• Hybrid working - We're mixing it up with ~3 days back in the Alexandria Treehouse (office) and work from bed/home (WFB)
• Take a break - Generous time off - volunteer, parental, Koala life leave and more to help keep your work-life balance, balanced.

Treehouse goods - Fully stocked kitchen with an emphasis on healthy local produce, think bougie brekky, salad bar, kombucha on tap, monthly barbies and more.
- Pet-friendly - The Koala Treehouse is as pet-friendly as they get
- Surprise & delight - The two-word combo at the core of everything we do. All Koalas can expect to enjoy free Koala products with 'mates rates' for your friends and fam.
- Support & wellbeing - Our employee experience respects and embraces all families, formed, found and evolving. You'll have access to our Employee Assistance Program, which includes unlimited sessions for financial, work, relationship, family or wellbeing support.
- Accelerate your career - via our Learning Management platform Juno, as well as individual and team growth budgets and dedicated days.
- Community & connection - We believe that simply doing 'no harm' isn't good enough So, how are we doing our part? BCorp Certified, WWF Partnership, volunteer days, a member of SoftLanding, 1% and so much more.

All in all, the Koala Kommunity is a great place to hang out and belong to

Koalities we look for…

At Koala, we do things a little differently and we don't shy away from the fact that we expect a lot from our employees We are ambitious. We are curious. We are selfless. We want you to challenge expectations, always look to make a difference and give us something different from the norm. We want people that bring great energy, that have a long-game focus and are always trying to find new angles and approaches to the way we work. We're a team full of entrepreneurial spirit and have a relentless focus on 'what's next' but while always reviewing 'what's been done' and learning, growing and adapting. We're confident, but NEVER arrogant and we adapt to change like Steve Smith under a short ball. Honesty and empathy drive everything we do, as well as a total focus on exceeding our customers' expectations. So if you feel like this could be you... well what the bloody hell are you waiting for? Drop us a line, and let's see what you've got ;)

There's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate, Koala is a place where everyone has opportunity. So however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day. We're an equal opportunity employer, and recognise that a diverse workforce is crucial to our success as a business.

To read more, check out our careers, LinkedIn, or the great work we do with Work180.