IDEO is a design firm. We take a human-centered design approach to all we do, integrating the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the demands of business to come up with breakthrough ideas. We help organizations and individuals navigate the unknown, create a more sustainable and equitable future,  and confidently step into new ways of being. 

In a nutshell:

IDEO Shanghai is searching for a Business Development Associate, who will work closely with our infrastructure, design teams, and studio leadership to enable great project work and client experiences by supporting our thoughtful and fast-paced business development efforts. 

Once here you will:

  • Act as a “producer” for the overall business development process (i.e. take ownership to get work done, set timelines, coordinate efforts and the contribution of others, track progress against target).
  • Develop an understanding of the client's needs and how IDEO’s work could support their goals.
    • Help undertake secondary research and client / industry analysis to support our understanding of client briefs to enable more effective and compelling project proposals.
    • Be responsible for business development data collection, maintenance, analysis and reporting. 

What does IDEO offer you?

IDEO is a place unlike any other. It’s a place where you can solve diverse, complex challenges for our clients or the organization, alongside thoughtful, intelligent individuals who lead with curiosity, empathy, and optimism. Sure we work hard, but we also intentionally craft moments that allow our community to pause, create, and connect. We encourage our community to bring their whole selves to work, respect the need for work-life balance, and allow for autonomy in the design process and your career. 

As a Business Development Associate in Shanghai, we provide the opportunity for you to:

  • Exposure and opportunity to work alongside senior leaders at IDEO facing executive level clients solving complex business and design challenges.
  • Become part of a culture that lets you both learn and teach while working with people outside of your immediate area of expertise.
  • Be challenged to think more holistically.

Relevant experience and mindset:

Our work environment appeals to self-directed, flexible team players that have great interpersonal skills, learn quickly, and relish the opportunity to support potential clients and project teams in translating challenges and questions into opportunities for innovation. This role requires design sensibilities, business acumen, and client empathy.  

You will be ideal for this role if:

  • You have strong business acumen
    • 0-3 years of professional work experience in a fast-paced environment.
    • Experienced with desktop research and analysis
  • You’re entrepreneurial, curious, creative, willing to try out new things. 
    • Get energized by a good challenge, no matter how ambiguous or complex, and not afraid to get his/her hands dirty.
    • Ability to act with nimbleness and flexibility.
    • Self-directed and able to anticipate needs and plan ahead. 
    • Never satisfied with the status quo and always proactively looking for opportunities to make your mark and make improvements for the good of all.
    • Strong time management and organizational skills. Is excellent at multitasking.
  • You have strong people orientation and enjoys collaboration
    • Have great interpersonal skills and experience managing multiple stakeholders dealing with different people dynamics
    • Finds reward through enabling and supporting others. Excellent and confident written and verbal communicator, both in Chinese and English
  • Other
    • Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Keynote is a must... G-suite experience is a plus.
    • Experience in business development or account servicing

Question for you:

Tell us about a time when you were in charge of something and it all went horribly wrong. What did you do to get it back on track?

What superpower do you have to contribute that would help support IDEO’s Shanghai studio?

Application instructions:

Please apply online by uploading your resume and cover letter including your answer to the questions above.

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