Assistant Business Development Manager Jobs in Illinois

Business Development Manager
Position Summary
The Business Development Manager (BDM) is responsible for driving long-term growth by identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding Equipment International's presence in existing and emerging markets. This individual serves as the bridge between sales, marketing, and executive leadership to develop strategies that increase revenue, strengthen customer relationships, and position the company for sustained success.
The ideal candidate is a relationship builder, strategic thinker, and self-starter who is passionate about creating new opportunities while maintaining Equipment International's reputation for exceptional customer service. Furthermore, someone who will be successful in this position can create deals by finding locations, evaluating customer needs while working with our manufacturers to help customers from the initial meeting through the startup of the equipment. Overall, a successful candidate will benefit from balancing a pipeline of large projects and smaller deals to maximize sales opportunities.
Essential Responsibilities
Business Development
* Identify, research, and pursue new business opportunities, markets, and customer segments.
* Develop and execute strategies to expand Equipment International's market share.
* Generate qualified leads through networking, referrals, industry events, and direct outreach.
* Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective customers.
* Boots on the ground - visiting locations and customers to build a pipeline for the future
Client Acquisition
* Meet with prospective customers to understand their operational needs and present tailored solutions.
* Prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, and close new business opportunities.
* Collaborate with internal departments to ensure successful onboarding and implementation for new customers.
Strategic Growth
* Analyze market trends, competitive activity, and customer feedback to identify growth opportunities.
* Recommend new products, services, or market strategies to executive leadership.
* Assist in developing annual business development goals and measurable performance objectives.
Relationship Management
* Develop long-term relationships with key customers, manufacturers, vendors, and strategic partners.
* Maintain regular communication with existing customers to identify additional opportunities and ensure customer satisfaction.
* Represent Equipment International at trade shows, networking events, and industry conferences.
* Manage on-going jobs, with support of internal staff, to navigate issues that arise with contractors, vendors and customers
* Communicate systemically with customers to mitigate issues before they occur
Collaboration
* Work closely with Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Leadership to ensure alignment on business development initiatives.
* Provide market intelligence and customer insights to help shape company strategy.
* Support cross-functional teams in achieving organizational growth objectives.
Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field preferred.
* Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, sales, account management, or a related field.
* Proven ability to develop new business and build long-term customer relationships.
* Strong negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
* Strategic mindset with the ability to identify emerging market opportunities.
* Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
* Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM software.
Preferred Experience
* Experience within the industrial equipment, material handling, warehouse automation, or related industries.
* Established network of industry contacts.
* Experience managing complex sales cycles and strategic accounts.
Key Competencies
* Relationship Building
* Strategic Thinking
* Business Acumen
* Negotiation
* Communication
* Customer Focus
* Initiative
* Problem Solving
* Collaboration
* Results Orientation
Physical Requirements
* Ability to travel as needed to customer locations, trade shows, and industry events.
* Ability to sit, stand, and operate standard office equipment.
* Occasional lifting of marketing materials or product samples up to 25 pounds.
Success Measures
The Business Development Manager will be evaluated on:
* New business revenue generated.
* Number of qualified opportunities developed.
* Growth within targeted markets.
* Customer retention and satisfaction.
* Strategic partnerships established.
* Achievement of annual business development objectives.
Benefits:

• 401(k) with Company Match
• Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Medical
• Vacation, Personal, and Sick Days