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Entry Level Business Development Associate Jobs in California

The Business Development Associate will also be responsible for sourcing new partners to work with Flix and support the Business Development team with day-to-day operations. About the Role * Identify ...

The Business Development Associate will also be responsible for sourcing new partners to work with Flix and support the Business Development team with day-to-day operations. About the Role * Identify ...

The Business Development Associate will also be responsible for sourcing new partners to work with Flix and support the Business Development team with day-to-day operations. About the Role * Identify ...

Business Development Associate

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

$46K - $64K/yr

The Business Development Associate will support the strategic and growth orientated goals for the Western Regional New Business team with an emphasis on the Los Angeles and Orange County markets and ...

Business Development Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

Business Development Associate Department: Business Development & Partnerships Employment Type: Full Time Location: San Francisco Description Partnerships are how Reactor grows, and this role sits at ...

New

Business Development Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$47K - $65K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Impact Housing is seeking a driven and relationship-oriented Business Development Associate to support the growth of our third-party design-build business. Reporting directly to the ...

Business Development Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Allied Universal is seeking a motivated, early-career sales professional to join our Business Development Associate (BDA) program - a structured launchpad designed to accelerate your path to a full ...

Business Development Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Allied Universal is seeking a motivated, early-career sales professional to join our Business Development Associate (BDA) program -- a structured launchpad designed to accelerate your path to a full ...

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Entry Level Business Development Associate information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$55K

$90.8K

How much do entry level business development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level business development associate in California is $55,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,900.00 and $60,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level business development associate do?

An Entry Level Business Development Associate is responsible for supporting a company’s growth by identifying new business opportunities, generating leads, and assisting with client outreach. They often conduct market research, help prepare sales presentations, and build relationships with potential clients under the guidance of senior team members. This role is typically a starting position in the business development field and offers valuable experience in sales, marketing, and client management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level business development associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Business Development Associate, you need strong interpersonal skills, basic understanding of sales and marketing principles, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, lead generation tools, and Microsoft Office Suite is commonly required. Excellent communication, resilience, and a proactive attitude help you stand out in building relationships and driving results. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying opportunities, managing client interactions, and supporting the company's growth objectives.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level business development associates, and how can they be overcome?

Entry Level Business Development Associates often encounter challenges such as building a robust client pipeline, handling rejection, and quickly learning about diverse industries. Overcoming these hurdles requires proactive communication, resilience, and a willingness to continuously learn from feedback and mentorship. Collaborating closely with sales, marketing, and senior business development team members can provide valuable insights and support, helping new associates adapt and thrive in the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Business Development Associate vs Sales Representative?

AspectEntry Level Business Development AssociateSales Representative
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often preferred; some roles may require familiarity with CRM toolsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sales certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, client meetings, prospectingOffice, retail, or field sales environments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, finance, and consulting firmsWidespread across retail, insurance, and manufacturing sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles focused on business growthLooking for direct sales roles and targets

While both roles involve engaging with clients and promoting products or services, the Entry Level Business Development Associate primarily focuses on identifying new business opportunities, building relationships, and supporting strategic growth. In contrast, a Sales Representative typically concentrates on closing sales and meeting sales targets. The associate role often requires more strategic outreach, whereas sales reps are more transaction-focused.

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Business Development Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Business Development Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Business Development Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,042 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Business Development Associate

Object Construction, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$47K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Business Development Associate supports the business development team by helping evaluate new opportunities, develop proposals, coordinate with internal teams, and manage projects throughout the sales cycle. Reporting to the Business Development Manager, the role is designed as a growth opportunity for someone with a background in fabrication, construction, carpentry, or production who is interested in transitioning into a client-facing, business development role. 

The Associate will gain hands-on experience supporting projects from initial client inquiry through proposal development while learning the commercial, technical, and relationship management aspects of the business. As experience grows, they will take ownership of smaller accounts and earlier-stage opportunities, ultimately managing projects independently from initial inquiry through contract award.

Key Responsibilities

  • Participate in client calls alongside the Business Development Manager, take detailed notes, and capture creative goals, budget ranges, schedule constraints, and technical requirements

  • Translate inbound inquiries and call notes into a standardized format that Business Development and Production can use for estimating and planning

  • Coordinate with Production, Technical Design, and other internal teams to gather information needed for pricing, feasibility reviews, and proposal development

  • Prepare estimates, proposal documents, and presentation materials using established templates, standard language, past project references, and pricing structures

  • Maintain accurate pipeline records, project tracking, and CRM data to support forecasting and capacity planning 

  • Independently manage a portfolio of smaller or earlier-stage accounts, handling client communication, proposal development, and pipeline tracking for those projects

  • Represent the company at client meetings as needed, particularly for accounts under direct management

Qualifications

  • Background in carpentry, fabrication, or scenic construction; hands-on experience in the experiential or scenic fabrication industry preferred

  • Comfortable working with budgets, estimates, and numerical information, with the ability to adapt to fabrication projects of varying size and complexity

  • Strong interpersonal skills and comfort talking with clients, including in early or unstructured conversations

  • Organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously 

  • Interest in moving from production/field work into an office-based, client-facing role

  • Strong written and oral communication skills

  • Willing to travel and work non-standard hours as needed

Growth Opportunity

This position is intended as a development path into Business Development or Account Management. The Business Development Associate will receive direct mentorship from senior team members while building the technical, commercial, and client management skills needed to independently lead projects from initial inquiry through contract award.