Business Development Associate
Location: Southwest Illinois
Type: Full Time/Part Time | Entry-Level
About Us:
At Alligator Automations Inc., we build smart industrial automation systems that help companies pack, move, and ship products faster and more efficiently. We specialize in automatic bagging, case and secondary packaging, palletizing and pallet packaging, intralogistics conveyor systems, and automatic truck loading solutions.
We work with top players in FMCG, food & beverage, automotive, tires, e-commerce, petrochemical, agro commodities, seed, cement, fertilizer, appliances, oil and paint, paper, and batteries— making their processes smoother, safer, and more scalable.
Position Overview:
Alligator Automations Inc. is looking for a motivated and results-oriented individual to join our growing team immediately. This entry-level role is ideal for someone with strong communication skills, a passion for technology, and a desire to learn the ins and outs of B2B sales and strategic growth. You’ll support senior business development leaders in identifying leads, nurturing relationships, and helping expand our clients’ customer base.
What You’ll Be Doing:
As a Business Development Associate, you’ll be a key part of our growth team — learning how to take complex automation solutions to market and help us find and connect with potential clients.
Day-to-day, You’ll:
- Assist in lead generation activities, including email, LinkedIn, and cold calling outreach.
- Help coordinate meetings, demos, and follow-ups between prospects and senior team members. As needed, attend meetings with potential customers.
- Maintain consistent follow-up with leads to move them through the sales funnel.
- Work closely with sales, engineering, and marketing teams.
- Research and identify potential clients, industry sectors, and new business opportunities.
- Monitor industry trends, research competitors, and compile insights for internal use.
- Maintain and update CRM tools with lead and client data.
- Support proposal and presentation prep.
- Attend industry events, webinars, and virtual meetings to build market awareness.
What We’re Looking For:
- Currently pursuing, or completed, a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Engineering, or a related field.
- Genuinely interested in automation, manufacturing, and B2B sales.
- Comfortable with outbound outreach and engaging new prospects.
- Strong communication, research, and organizational skills.
- Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint — bonus if you’ve used CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce.
- A self-starter who’s curious, proactive, a team player, and able to work independently.
Preferred (Not Required):
- Previous experience or coursework related to sales, business development, mechanical engineering, or customer relationship management.
- Familiarity with LinkedIn Sales Navigator, cold emailing tools, or market research platforms.
- Knowledge of B2B sales strategies and the U.S. market is a plus.
What You’ll Get:
- Hands-on experience in a fast-growing industry.
- Real exposure to the sales and strategy side of automation technology.
- Opportunities to work with both technical and commercial teams.
- Insight into high-impact industries and B2B sales processes.
- Mentorship and learning opportunities from industry experts.
- Competitive salary: $40,000 - $50,000 per year for full-time,
- or $24.04/hour for part-time.
- Opportunity to earn performance-based incentives.
How to Apply:
Email your resume and cover-letter to edie@stup.com with the subject “Business Development Associate – (your name). This is an immediate opening. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis – early applications will be prioritized.
.