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Business Development Representative Jobs in Illinois

Clean USA

Business Development Representative

Sycamore, IL · On-site

$50K - $150K/yr

Business Development Representative Overview CLEAN USA WATER & FIRE is looking for a motivated Business Development Representative to help grow our referral network throughout the Chicagoland and ...

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Business Development Representative information

See Illinois salary details

$25.7K

$57.7K

$92.5K

How much do business development representative jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for business development representative in Illinois is $57,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $67,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a business development representative?

Business Development Representatives (BDRs) are sales professionals who focus on prospecting, qualifying leads, and setting up meetings for the sales team. They initiate contact with potential clients—primarily through cold calls, emails, and networking—to generate interest in a company's products or services. BDRs play a crucial role in the early stages of the sales cycle by identifying business opportunities and helping to grow the customer base. Their work allows account executives and senior sales staff to focus on closing deals with well-qualified leads. The position often serves as an entry point to a career in sales or business development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a business development representative?

To thrive as a Business Development Representative, you need strong communication, sales acumen, and a solid understanding of market research, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software like Salesforce, lead generation tools, and sales automation platforms is commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to build rapport help set top performers apart. These capabilities are crucial for identifying new business opportunities, building client relationships, and driving company growth.

What are some common challenges faced by business development representatives, and how can they be overcome?

Business Development Representatives (BDRs) often encounter challenges such as reaching decision-makers, handling rejection, and balancing prospecting with follow-up tasks. Overcoming these hurdles requires resilience, strong communication skills, and strategic time management. Successful BDRs leverage CRM tools, research prospects thoroughly, and continuously refine their outreach techniques to improve response rates. Collaborating closely with sales and marketing teams also helps in sharing insights and refining messaging for better results.

What is the difference between Business Development Representative vs Sales Development Representative?

AspectBusiness Development RepresentativeSales Development Representative
Primary FocusIdentifying new business opportunities and building strategic partnershipsGenerating and qualifying leads to support sales
Work EnvironmentOften involves outreach, networking, and strategic planningPrimarily cold calling, emailing, and lead qualification
Required SkillsCommunication, negotiation, market researchProspecting, communication, CRM proficiency
Industry UsageCommon in B2B, tech, and SaaS sectorsWidely used in sales-driven industries

While both roles focus on growth, Business Development Representatives focus on strategic partnerships and new markets, whereas Sales Development Representatives concentrate on lead generation and qualification to support the sales team.

Is a Business Development Representative an entry level role?

A Business Development Representative (BDR) is often considered an entry-level position in sales and business growth roles. It typically requires strong communication skills, a basic understanding of sales processes, and may serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles like Account Executive or Sales Manager.

What type of job is a business development representative?

A business development representative (BDR) is a sales-focused role responsible for identifying and qualifying potential clients, generating leads, and setting up meetings for the sales team. The position often requires strong communication skills, knowledge of CRM tools, and a proactive approach to building business relationships.
More about Business Development Representative jobs

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The most popular types of Business Development Representative jobs in Illinois are:

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For Business Development Representative jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Business Development Representative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Business Development Representative job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,714 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Business Development Representative

Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern IL

Chicago, IL

$44K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description

General Description / Purpose:

The Business Development Representative role serves as the first point of contact for business owners and acts as an advocate for BBB-accredited businesses. This role is crucial in guiding business owners to make informed decisions about BBB Accreditation, fostering lasting relationships, and demonstrating the intrinsic value of BBB Accreditation.

Key Responsibilities

The duties of the Business Development Representative include, but are not limited to:

Primary Contact and Advocacy: Act as the main point of contact for business owners, providing them with essential information and support regarding BBB Accreditation.

Decision Facilitation: Assist business owners in making informed decisions about pursuing BBB Accreditation. This involves a consultative approach to understand their needs and how BBB Accreditation can benefit their business.

Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong relationships with business owners, ensuring they understand the value of BBB Accreditation and feel supported throughout the accreditation process.

Demonstrating Value: Clearly communicate the benefits and value of BBB Accreditation to business owners, helping them see the long-term advantages of becoming accredited.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Business Development Representative role embodies the following qualities:

Positive Energy: Demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic attitude, aligning with BBB's mission and values.

Passionate about Business Growth: Shows a genuine passion for supporting and fostering business growth, particularly through the benefits of BBB Accreditation.

Self-Motivated: Possesses a high level of self-motivation, with a strong drive for success and financial reward. This individual looks to maximize their time effectively and optimize their earning potential.

Consultative Approach: Adopts a consultative approach when interacting with business owners, understanding their unique needs and providing tailored solutions.

Fostering Trust and Loyalty: Focuses on building trust and loyalty among businesses, ensuring that accredited businesses feel valued and supported

Summary

The Business Development Representative role is a vital position within the BBB, tasked with advocating for BBB Accreditation and assisting business owners in making the most of this valuable opportunity. We seek an individual who is not only driven by success and financial incentives but also passionate about supporting business growth and embodying the positive energy that aligns with BBB's mission. Above all, a "closer mentality" is essential for driving results and achieving accreditation goals.

By maintaining these values and focusing on building lasting relationships, the Business Development Representative will play a crucial role in fostering trust and loyalty among our businesses, ultimately contributing to their continued growth and success.

Salary & Benefits:

$44,000/year + Commission (100% to goal $65k+)

  • Top earning individual(s) six figures plus
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Long and short-term disability
  • Retirement plan (401k)
  • Paid time off (including Birthdays and Holidays)
  • Volunteer days


Requirements

 Qualifications and Skills


We are looking for a team player who meets the following qualifications:

  • 1-2  years phone sales experience with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • (though we are willing to consider candidates with a comparable background) 
  • HS diploma or higher 
  • Dependability and high degree of ethical character 
  • Cold calling experience preferred
  • Open to coaching and implementation of suggested strategies and techniques
  • Spanish speaking a plus

Apply