Business Development Representative

Perplexity is a company focused on AI and search solutions, and they are seeking a Business Development Representative to drive revenue and qualify opportunities. The role involves managing small to mid-sized accounts, executing outbound campaigns, and maintaining data hygiene in Salesforce while communicating effectively with prospects.

Responsibilities:

• Balance dual responsibilities of direct revenue generation and pipeline development for the broader sales team
• Qualify enterprise prospects using BANT criteria to identify high-value opportunities for Account Executive handoff
• Own and close small to mid-sized accounts (lower seat/FTE requirements) through efficient email communication and concise 15-minute discovery calls
• Execute targeted outbound campaigns to penetrate specific industry verticals
• Use social selling to represent the Perplexity brand—posting, commenting, and experimenting with new formats to stay top-of-mind with prospects
• Research and map accounts within assigned verticals to build comprehensive prospect lists
• Develop vertical-specific messaging that resonates with industry pain points and use cases for Perplexity Enterprise
• Contribute to top of funnel strategy
• Maintain pristine data hygiene in Salesforce, ensuring all prospect interactions and qualification criteria are documented
• Respond rapidly to inbound inquiries with consultative, value-driven communication
• Build and iterate on outbound sequences that drive consistent pipeline generation

Requirements:

• Exceptional communication skills: Ability to articulate complex AI/search solutions clearly via email and phone, adapting tone and technical depth to various stakeholders
• Vertical expertise: Demonstrated understanding of at least one key industry (e.g., Financial Services, Healthcare, Legal, Consulting) with ability to speak to industry-specific challenges
• Sales acumen: Proven ability to qualify prospects using BANT methodology while maintaining velocity in the sales cycle
• Technical aptitude: Comfort discussing enterprise software, APIs, and AI capabilities at a high level
• Self-starter mentality with ability to manage competing priorities (closing deals vs. qualifying for AEs)
• Data-driven approach to tracking conversion rates, response times, and pipeline metrics
• Intellectual curiosity about how AI and advanced search transform enterprise workflows
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where processes are still being defined
• 1-2 years in SaaS sales development or business development roles
• Experience selling to technical and non-technical buyers
• Familiarity with enterprise AI/ML solutions or search technologies
• Track record of consistently achieving 100%+ of quota
• Pulling data with Salesforce Reporting, SQL or Business intelligence tools
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience
• Experience at a high-growth technology startup