Business Development Associate

Orthodontic Experts Management LLC•Des Plaines, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Business Development Associate supports the organization’s growth by researching and evaluating potential markets for new locations, service expansion, and partnerships. This role focuses on gathering data, analyzing competition and demographics, and organizing insights to help leadership make informed expansion decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Analytics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
1–3 years of experience in business development, market research, strategy, or growth analysis
Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to identify patterns and opportunities
Experience synthesizing data into strategic recommendations
Valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

Experience in healthcare, dental, or multi-location service organizations
Familiarity with market research tools, demographic databases, and mapping tools
Experience supporting expansion, site selection, or partnership development

Responsibilities

Research potential markets for new locations, service expansion, and partnership opportunities by evaluating population size, demographics, insurance mix, competitor presence, referral networks, and overall demand for services in the area
Assist with location-level analysis, including proximity to competitors, referral sources, and population centers
Gather and organize data from multiple sources (e.g., Google Maps, Dentagraphics, internal systems) to support market research and ensure accuracy
Analyze competitors by looking beyond basic listings—review their locations, services, online presence, patient reviews, referral activity, and search visibility (SEO) to understand how they attract and retain patients
Identify high-potential referral sources, partnerships, and community opportunities
Support development teams with insights on where referral relationships can be built or expanded
Track, summarize, and report on market trends, regulatory updates, and competitor activity, highlighting key takeaways that may impact growth
Support mapping and visualization of markets (e.g., radius analysis, clustering)
Conduct basic field research and support secret shopping efforts to validate findings
Flag potential opportunities based on market activity and competitor trends
Maintain and update a centralized list of competitors, including key details, and track notable changes such as ownership transitions or potential retirement indicators
Maintain internal research trackers and databases
Support outreach efforts by organizing information for potential partnerships or acquisitions, including preparation of supporting materials
Drill down into specific areas to identify strong real estate opportunities based on demographics, traffic patterns, nearby businesses, and accessibility
Compile findings into clear opportunity briefs, spreadsheets and presentations for leadership