Business Development Associate

About us
At Orthodontic Experts, we are committed to delivering exceptional patient care and setting the standard for orthodontic excellence. With 32 locations across the greater Chicagoland area, Wisconsin, and Indiana, and continued growth ahead, we are focused on transforming smiles and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

We are looking for team members who are passionate about high-quality care and align with our Core Values:

Accountability

Continuous Improvement

Inclusion

Integrity

Respect

Teamwork

Transparency

Description
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.

Duties consist of but not limited to

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

Skills & Competencies

Market research and opportunity analysis

Strategic thinking and pattern recognition

Competitive analysis and white‑space identificationClear communication of insights and recommendations

Strong attention to detail with a growth‑oriented mindset

High level of initiative and independence

Requirements
Required

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

10% Travel

Preferred

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

Working Hours / Location

Location: 1700 W Higgins Rd Des Plaines, IL 60018; onsite full time

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Benefits (for our full‑time employees)

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Accident Insurance

Short‑Term Disability

Long‑Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Health Savings Account

Dependent Care Account

401(k) and matching

Pet Insurance

Tuition Assistance Program

Identity Theft Protection

MetLife MetLaw Legal Insurance

Transit Reimbursement - Commuter Account

Free and discounted Orthodontic Treatment (After 1 year of employment)

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