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Business Development Representative Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Business Development Representative is responsible for generating leads and identifying repair opportunities that drive business growth. This role analyzes market trends, researches prospective ...

Business Development Representatives will also transport samples of products for presentations. Responsibilities Meet or exceeds revenue goals consistently. Meets or exceeds sales activity ...

Nexamp is looking to hire a Business Development Representative to join our Site Origination team. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, evaluating, and securing viable ...

Nexamp is looking to hire a Business Development Representative to join our Site Origination team. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, evaluating, and securing viable ...

Business Development Representatives will also transport samples of products for presentations. Responsibilities • Meet or exceeds revenue goals consistently. Meets or exceeds sales activity ...

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Business Development Representative information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.3K

$61.4K

$98.4K

How much do business development representative jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for business development representative in Chicago, IL is $61,354.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $72,100.00 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Business Development Representative jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Business Development Representative jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Business Development Representative jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Business Development Representative jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Business Development Representative jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Business Development Representative job openings:

Infographic showing various Business Development Representative job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,354 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Business Development Representative

Sasser

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Fortune Magazine and Great Place to Work, Sasser prides itself on supporting an employee-driven, opportunity-based culture that empowers, recognizes, and rewards its employees. From highly competitive benefits to exciting employee events to organic, grassroots philanthropy and volunteerism, Sasser is an awesome place to begin and grow your career. We are a transportation asset services and management company with roots dating to 1928. Sasser's subsidiary units are leaders in providing commercial- and industrial-focused rail, automotive, and containerized shipping solutions, including asset leasing, fleet administration management, asset repair and maintenance, and innovative technology services.
Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, CF Rail Services, Moventum Fleet Management, Express 4x4 Truck Rental, and Falcon Lease. To learn more about what makes Sasser special, visit www.sasser.com.
This role supports our CF Rail Services team. Delivering the highest-quality railcar repairs quickly and safely with uncompromising customer service, CF Rail Services is a leading railcar repair and maintenance provider offering quality repair work for railroads, private car owners, lessors, contracts agents, and shippers across North America.
The Business Development Representative is responsible for generating leads and identifying repair opportunities that drive business growth. This role analyzes market trends, researches prospective customers, and develops new business opportunities while building relationships with customers and industry partners. The Business Development Representative also prepares reports and presentations to support sales strategy and market development initiatives.
As a Business Development Representative, Here's What You Will Do:
  • Research and conduct sales calls with prospective customers to drive leads to the Vice President of Sales.
  • Drive volume through full-service shops through cold calling and customer visits.
  • Establish new mobile repair locations through prospecting and securing firm customer commitments.
  • Establish, build, and maintain new customer relationships in support of long-term goals.
  • Expand existing mobile repair customer base and geographic presence.
  • Maintain and update customer interactions in CRM database.
  • Conduct market research and analysis to improve functions across the company in support of goals.
  • Represent company through participation in industry related events.
  • Develop written summaries, presentations, and reports of analysis conclusions.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing or a related field.
  • 1-3 of experience in Sales.
  • Rail industry experience (preferred).
  • Experience working with a CRM database.

Skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word).
  • Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently.
  • Experience using databases and business technology systems.
  • Professional, reliable, and dependable.

Work Environment/Travel Requirements
  • Ability to travel as needed (approximately 50-70%) to the corporate office in Oak Brook, IL; shop locations in Meridian, MS and East Chicago, IN; Maintenance Repair Unit (MRU) locations; and various customer sites.

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Compensation/Benefits
The hiring range for this role is: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 USD Annual. This role is classified as exempt for purposes of applicable wage and hour laws, which means that the individual hired will not be eligible for overtime pay. This role is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus based on financial and personal performance throughout the plan year.
Sasser is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Pay ranges are assigned to a job based on market data according to 3rd party salary benchmarking surveys. Actual base salary is dependent upon factors such as knowledge, skill level, and experience.
This role is also eligible for benefits. Sasser employees enjoy a competitive benefits program that:
  • Includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including HSA and FSA accounts with employer contributions toward HSA
  • Includes a 100% Company-paid disability and life insurance plans
  • Includes a 401K plan with company match PLUS additional end-of-year funding
  • Provides paid vacation time (tiered based on tenure), as well as personal time, sick days and summer half days for certain roles
  • Provides 10 paid holidays annually
  • Provides paid parental leave for new parents, as well as a monetary gift towards a 529 education account
  • Provides a confidential Employee Assistance Program
  • Provides training and tuition reimbursement
  • Provides community service opportunities, charity match opportunities, employee recognition programs, and many celebrations!

#CFRS
The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.