Business Development Representative at Perplexity in San Francisco, CA

Summary: Perplexity is seeking a Business Development Representative to drive revenue and qualify opportunities. The role involves balancing inbound and outbound responsibilities, executing targeted campaigns, and maintaining data hygiene in Salesforce. Responsibilities: - Balance dual inbound and outbound responsibilities to drive pipeline growth - Qualify inbound enterprise prospects using BANT criteria to identify high-value opportunities for Account Executive handoff - 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 Required Qualifications: - 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 Preferred Qualifications: - 9 months to two 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 Required Skills: Salesforce, BANT methodology, Enterprise software Important Skills: Data-driven approach, Vertical expertise, Technical aptitude Nice-to-Have Skills: Intellectual curiosity, Communication skills, Self-starter mentality, Fast-paced environment