Business Development Associate

Overview

Element has an opportunity for a motivated Business Development Associate in our Burton, MI lab, to support growth initiatives within the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector, with a strong focus on the automotive OEM industry. This role is responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities with automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 suppliers, and related mobility companies, building technical and commercial relationships, and promoting TIC services including testing, validation, inspection, certification, and engineering support.

Element Burton is an industry-leading provider of testing and inspection services for the automotive, industrial, and aerospace sectors.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across target markets (e.g., industrial, environmental, consumer products)
• Generate leads through market research, networking, and outreach
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders
• Understand client needs and recommend appropriate testing, inspection, and certification services
• Prepare proposals, quotations, and presentations tailored to client requirements
• Support the sales cycle from initial contact through contract closure
• Collaborate with technical teams to ensure service feasibility and delivery alignment
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory developments.
• Maintain CRM records and track pipeline activity
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and client meetings

Skills / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field

• 1–3 years of experience in sales, business development, or a related role (experience in TIC or industrial services preferred)

• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• Basic understanding of quality standards, compliance, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO standards)

• Ability to manage multiple opportunities and meet deadlines

Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft OfficePreferred Skills

• Familiarity with TIC services such as product testing and certification processes
• Experience working with industries like automotive, aerospace, industrial, or technical services
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self-starter with a results-driven mindset
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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of qualified leads generated
• Conversion rate from lead to client
• Revenue contribution and sales targets
• Client retention and satisfaction
• Pipeline growth and activity levels

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Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.