Business Development Associate - Vendor Acquisition

FLAT RIVER GROUP LLC • Kentwood, MI

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Boost your career with an exciting, newly created opportunity as a Business Development Associate – Vendor Acquisition at Flat River Group, a leader in eCommerce. This role is ideal for a driven, outgoing, and resilient professional ready to take the next step, offering the opportunity to learn from experienced Business Development leaders while making a meaningful impact from day one. In this role, you’ll play a key part in shaping the future of our business Flat River Group Offers You: At Flat River Group, our people are key to our success—and we’re here to support your growth: ✨ Work-Life Balance That Works - Enjoy a consistent Monday–Friday onsite schedule with the flexibility to transition to a hybrid work environment 🌴 Unlimited Paid Time Off - Take the time you need to recharge and bring your best self to work 💰 401(k) with Immediate Vesting - Company match with no waiting—your future starts building right away 🩺 Comprehensive Benefits from Day One - Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA/HSA options starting on your first day 👶 Paid Maternity Leave - Support during one of life’s most important moments 🎓 Tuition Reimbursement - Keep learning and growing with support for your continued education Who is Flat River Group? Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Belding, Michigan, Flat River Group, LLC is a leading end-to-end ecommerce partner that works with vendors to take their businesses to the next level by accelerating ecommerce sales growth. We sell a variety of product categories as a 1st Party Seller, including toys, games, pet, sports & outdoor, home and patio, lawn & garden. Flat River Group has experienced incredible growth, and we now have multiple US-based distribution facilities. Qualifications Your Mission in This Role 🎯 The Business Development Associate – Vendor Acquisition will help identify and engage potential vendor partners that support the continued growth of our ecommerce business. This role works closely with our Directors of Business Development to build a strong pipeline of prospective brands and generate qualified opportunities for the team. The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, and comfortable with outreach across phone, email, and social channels. They have strong research skills, communicate effectively, and are motivated to build relationships while maintaining accurate records and consistent follow-up.

Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with high-volume outreach (phone, email, and social platforms)
• Ability to research companies and identify key contacts
• Basic understanding of sales or lead generation processes
• Self-motivated, resilient, organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience using CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot) or similar systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Office / Google Workspace
• Comfortable learning and using new tools, including AI-based solutions
• Ability to build rapport and engage effectively with internal and external partners
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk or computer.
• Capability to move around for tasks that require mobility
• Excellent vision and hearing skills to perform job responsibilities effectively through in person, telephone, and written communication
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred, but not required
• 2–3 years of experience in sales, business development, lead generation, or a customer-facing role
• Experience with outbound outreach (phone, email, social) preferred

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in eCommerce, retail, or working with vendors/brands is a plus

Responsibilities

• Vendor Research & Identification: Identify and research potential vendor partners using internal tools and external resources (e.g., LinkedIn, ZoomInfo)
• Target List Development: Build and maintain a focused list of target vendors to support ongoing business development efforts
• Contact Identification: Identify and connect with the appropriate contacts within vendor organizations who are responsible for eCommerce sales (e.g., sales leaders, brand owners)
• Outbound Outreach: Conduct outbound outreach through phone calls, email, and social platforms to introduce Flat River Group and generate interest
• Lead Qualification: Qualify leads based on fit and readiness, handing off strong opportunities to the business development team
• CRM Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in HubSpot to track outreach efforts and pipeline activity
• Market Feedback: Share feedback with leadership on market trends, vendor insights, and competitive activity
• Event Participation: Represent Flat River Group at trade shows and industry events as needed
• Tool Utilization: Use available tools, including AI-based solutions, to support lead generation and improve efficiency
• Process Improvement: Provide feedback and ideas to help accelerate and enhance the lead generation process
• Vendor Support: Support the implementation of standard business terms in vendor agreements as needed

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance That Works - Enjoy a consistent Monday–Friday onsite schedule with the flexibility to transition to a hybrid work environment
• Unlimited Paid Time Off - Take the time you need to recharge and bring your best self to work
• 401(k) with Immediate Vesting - Company match with no waiting—your future starts building right away
• Comprehensive Benefits from Day One - Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA/HSA options starting on your first day
• Paid Maternity Leave - Support during one of life’s most important moments
• Tuition Reimbursement - Keep learning and growing with support for your continued education

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees