Business Development and Operations Associate

Business Development and Operations AssociateCambridge, MAAbout CartesianCartesian is building spatial intelligence for indoor environments to drive operational efficiency. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges in the $35T global retail industry: in-store inventory visibility. Our platform delivers accurate indoor positioning and actionable product location insights, helping retailers streamline operations, optimize workflows, and reduce inefficiencies. Leveraging wireless RF signals, we provide a uniquely scalable, infrastructure-free solution already deployed by international fashion brands.Founded by an MIT engineering professor and alumni behind award‑winning, patented core technologies, Cartesian spun out in 2023. Originally backed by a U.S. National Science Foundation SBIR Award, we've bootstrapped to a live product now deployed in multiple countries and are scaling aggressively.About the RoleWe are looking for a Business Development and Operations Associate to join Cartesian at a pivotal moment in our growth. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role focused on helping us identify new business opportunities, build relationships with prospective customers and partners, and improve the operational processes that support our growth.We are not tied to a rigid checklist of credentials—what matters most is your ability to communicate effectively, take ownership, learn quickly, and drive results. You will work directly with company leadership and collaborate across product, engineering, and customer‑facing teams to help shape how Cartesian grows.We move quickly, value ownership, and expect high‑quality work. You will have meaningful responsibility from day one and the opportunity to influence both our go‑to‑market strategy and company operations.Location: In‑person in Kendall Square, Cambridge. Salary: $65,000 - $90,000 annuallyWhat You'll DoIdentify and research prospective customers, partners, and market opportunitiesExecute outbound outreach campaigns through email, LinkedIn, phone, and other channelsSupport business development efforts across the sales pipeline, including lead qualification, customer research, and meeting preparationCoordinate customer meetings, follow‑ups, and relationship management activitiesFacilitate successful pilot and demo outcomes through customer support and cross‑functional coordinationConduct market, customer, and competitive research to inform strategySupport partnerships, strategic initiatives, and special projects across the companyImprove internal processes and operational workflows as the company scalesMaintain CRM systems and track outreach, pipeline, and business metricsCollaborate closely with leadership to help drive growth and operational excellenceTake ownership of projects from initial concept through executionQualifications3+ years of experience in business development, sales, operations, customer success, consulting, or a related fieldExperience with customer outreach, lead generation, relationship management, or business developmentExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong organizational skills and attention to detailAbility to work independently and thrive in a fast‑moving, ambiguous environmentStrong problem‑solving and analytical abilitiesDemonstrated ownership and a track record of getting things doneNice to HaveStartup or early‑stage company experience, retail experience is a plus too!Experience in B2B sales, partnerships, consulting, or technology businessesFamiliarity with CRM tools such as HubSpot or SalesforceExperience supporting operational improvements or cross‑functional initiativesInterest in AI, retail technology, logistics, or enterprise softwareWhy CartesianWork on hard, real‑world problems with immediate and visible impactJoin a small, highly technical team with significant ownership and autonomyBuild systems that are deployed and used globallyCollaborative, thoughtful, low‑ego culture focused on learning and executionIn‑person team culture in the heart of Kendall Square, CambridgeWe know that no one checks every box—and we don't expect you to. If this role sounds exciting to you, and you think you could contribute to Cartesian's mission, we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly match the description. We care deeply about people who are curious, thoughtful, and motivated to learn, and we believe strong teams are built from a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.Interview ProcessIntroductory call to assess motivation, communication skills, and overall fitDiscussion of past business development, sales, operational, or growth‑related experiencePractical exercise related to outreach, business strategy, or operational problem‑solvingMeet the team, chat with a founder, and references#J-18808-Ljbffr