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Business Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

BDO USA

Business Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Under the direction of the Business Development Market Leader or Business Development Managing Director, and in collaboration with the Practice Leaders and the Chief Business Development Officer, the ...

Marketing

Business Development Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

Our business development experts are responsible for seeking out new partnership opportunities. We want someone who has demonstrated consultative selling experience and will not only find, but also ...

BDO

Business Development Director

Chicago, IL

Under the direction of the Business Development Market Leader or Business Development Managing Director, and in collaboration with the Practice Leaders and the Chief Business Development Officer, the ...

Hirebridge

Manager, Business Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Iapetus Infrastructure Services, LLC - Manager, Business Development Iapetus Infrastructure Services (IIS) oversees a portfolio of specialized utility services companies, operating under one Iapetus ...

AvePoint

Manager, Business Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

As a Manager, Business Development, you will lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team responsible for generating qualified pipeline and accelerating revenue growth. You will coach and empower ...

Tencate Grass

Business Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Business Development Manager - Sports Construction TenCate Multiple U.S. Markets | Nationwide Opportunities Company Overview TenCate is a leading provider of synthetic turf, sports surfacing, sports ...

AvePoint

Manager, Business Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

As a Manager, Business Development, you will lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team responsible for generating qualified pipeline and accelerating revenue growth. You will coach and empower ...

NCC Group

Business Development Executive

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Business Development Executive Application Deadline: 26 August 2026 Department: Sales Employment Type: Full Time Location: USA Chicago Description We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven ...

Coinflip

Business Development Representative

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

CoinFlip.tech. We are looking for a dynamic Business/Sales Development Representative to join our CoinFlip Preferred OTC team. The CoinFlip Preferred desk has been around since 2020 and is positioned ...

Tencate Grass

Business Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Business Development Manager - Sports ConstructionTenCateMultiple U.S. Markets | Nationwide OpportunitiesCompany Overview TenCate is a leading provider of synthetic turf, sports surfacing, sports ...

CBRE Group, Inc.

Business Dev Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

As a CBRE Business Development Manager, you will manage a team that drives local and regional client relationships and business development activities. This job is part of the Sales function. They ...

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All JobsBusiness Development JobsBusiness Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Business Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.6K

$88.3K

$153.6K

How much do business development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for business development in Chicago, IL is $88,252.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is business development?

Business development refers to the strategies, activities, and processes that organizations use to grow and expand their business. This can include identifying new markets, forming partnerships, generating leads, and creating long-term value for the organization. Professionals in business development often work closely with sales, marketing, and product teams to drive growth and increase revenue. Their role is crucial for helping companies find new opportunities and stay competitive in the market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a business development professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Business Development professional, you need strong market research skills, sales acumen, networking ability, and typically a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, data analysis tools, and lead generation platforms is often required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving revenue for the organization.

What jobs are in business development?

Business development jobs are available in most industries. They include specialists, associates, coordinators, sales and executive positions, advisors, and various seniority levels (President, VP, etc.) based on the size of the company. There are also consultant positions if you prefer to be an independent contractor. Entry to mid-level positions require 1-5 years of experience and include representatives, associates, and specialists who focus on increasing sales. Senior level positions include directors, managers, and presidents, which require in-depth knowledge of your chosen industry and 5-10 years of proven sales success.

What are some common challenges faced by business development professionals when entering new markets?

Business development professionals often encounter challenges such as understanding local customer needs, navigating unfamiliar regulations, and building new relationships in untapped markets. They must adapt strategies to fit cultural differences and market dynamics, which may require additional research and flexible thinking. Collaborating with local teams, leveraging existing networks, and staying updated on market trends can help overcome these obstacles and pave the way for successful market entry.

What is the difference between Business Development vs Sales?

AspectBusiness DevelopmentSales
Primary FocusIdentifying new market opportunities and partnershipsClosing deals and generating revenue
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, market research, relationship buildingClient meetings, negotiations, direct selling
Required SkillsNetworking, strategic thinking, industry knowledgeCommunication, persuasion, product knowledge
Common CertificationsBusiness development certifications, MBA often preferredSales certifications, product-specific training

While both roles aim to grow the company's revenue, Business Development focuses on creating strategic partnerships and exploring new markets, whereas Sales concentrates on closing deals with clients. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or hiring the appropriate professional for your business needs.

Is business development high paying?

Business development roles often offer competitive salaries that can include base pay, commissions, and bonuses, especially in industries like technology, finance, and sales. Earnings typically increase with experience, skills, and performance, making it a potentially lucrative career path for those with strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities.

What do you do as a business development?

A business development professional identifies growth opportunities, builds relationships with potential clients or partners, and develops strategies to expand a company's market presence. They often conduct market research, negotiate deals, and collaborate with sales and marketing teams to achieve revenue goals.
More about Business Development jobs

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Business Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Business Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Business Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Business Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,252 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Business Development Director

BDO USA

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develops and executes office/industry business development plans in collaboration with Practice Leaders, industry leaders, and principals.

  • Generates opportunities with targeted prospects through lead generation activities such as cold calling, campaigns, seminars, outreach, and networking.

  • Participates in sales and proposal processes, including developing pursuit strategies, attending pursuit meetings, and supporting proposal/presentation efforts.

BDO USA rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 23 rated bookkeepers and accountants

Job description


Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Business Development Market Leader or Business Development Managing Director, and in collaboration with the Practice Leaders and the Chief Business Development Officer, the Director, Business Development will be responsible for achieving local office and/or industry revenue goals by building market presence and identifying and helping pursue new business opportunities in line with firm, regional, local office, and industry business strategies. In addition, this role collaborates with the marketing department and will be responsible, along with their Practice Leaders and local principals for setting local office and/or industry business development strategy and development of the office level business plan.
Job Duties:
  • Develops and executes office/industry business development plan in conjunction with the Practice Leaders, industry leaders, principals and assigned direct supervisor by:
    • Works with the Practice Leaders and Industry Leaders to segment office-specific target markets and target clients in alignment with business line and industry guidelines, where available
    • Identifies markets and business development activities needed to drive opportunities and defines cross-selling and key account programs for their office
    • Develops the office level or industry business plan in alignment with the Firm's strategy
  • Collaborates with principals on all Business Development plans and activities
  • Facilitates quarterly meeting with Practice Leaders to design, implement and report on the BD plan
  • Sends business development plan, goals and progress report to direct supervisor
  • Upon completion of the prospect targeting onboarding program, generates opportunities with targeted prospects through agreed upon lead generation activities including cold calling, telemarketing campaigns, direct mail and e-mail campaigns, web seminars/seminars, business community outreach, networking, sponsorships referral development, and other lead generation programs as defined in the office/industry business development plan
  • Monitors and reports on the results of all lead generation programs for assigned office/industry
  • Leverages national marketing and sales programs as available and follows available consistency guidelines, including telemarketing processes, lead generation activities, firm brochures, proposal templates and pipeline reports and processes
  • Qualifies opportunities and builds relationships with key executives and stakeholders in support of the growth of the office business lines and industries
  • Participates in the sales and proposal processes, as needed, including developing and managing the pursuit strategy, planning for and attending, when appropriate, pursuit meetings with mid-to-senior level financial executives, and providing proposal/presentation strategy and support
  • Understands how to work with BDO's sales channels - for example with Alliance Firms and coordinates with International firms as appropriate on opportunities as they arise
  • Produces a pursuit/pipeline report for assigned office and reviews the pursuit/pipeline report with the direct supervisor monthly and Practice Leaders a minimum of quarterly
  • Facilitates a monthly sales pipeline meeting in assigned office/industry with the Practice Leaders and principals who have current sales opportunities
  • Develops and executes "go to market" strategy according to agreed upon plan and collaborates with client service professionals to help ensure sales success
  • Contributes business development thought leadership, tools and resources to the broader national Business Development Services community
  • Facilitates annual principal's Business Development meeting
  • Promotes use of CRM as an integral part of the Business Development process by setting an example as a proficient user
  • Implements and maintains industry group programs as defined for the market
  • Participates in key account management programs as defined by the office Business Development plan
  • Completes all reporting requirements on new sales, pipeline reports, sales call statistics and maintenance of CRM system
  • Discusses staffing recommendations (new hires, terminations) with the direct supervisor, Practice Leaders, and National BDS
  • Achieves Annual Revenue goals
  • Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Supervises local team of business development support professionals, where applicable by office, in collaboration with direct supervisor and Practice Leaders to perform specific marketing and sales support activities outlined in the office BD plan
  • Tracks performance of business development support professionals and reports progress to the Practice Leaders and direct supervisor on a quarterly basis
  • Conducts annual performance reviews for business development support professionals with input from the direct supervisor, Practice Leaders, and National BDS
  • Develops performance goals for each business development support professional with input from the business development support professional, the direct supervisor and Practice Leaders
  • Serves as a coach/mentor, supporting the career development of BD support professionals in the local office

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing and Five (5) or more years of business development experience in a professional services environment or industry relevant firm, required; OR
  • Seven (7) or more years of business development experience in a professional services environment or industry relevant firm with a High School Diploma/GED, required

Experience:
  • Experience developing business relationships with C-level executives (CEOs, CFOs, Board of directors, etc.) and referral sources (attorneys, bankers, etc.), required
  • Prior experience working in professional services direct sales industry or in development role at financial services firms, including but not limited to experience with accounting firms, investment banking or private equity firms, personnel recruiting, business journals sales, financial consulting, business advisory services and/or banking industry, preferred

License/Certifications:
  • N/A

Software:
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, required
  • Experience with client relationship management (CRM), required
  • Microsoft Dynamics, preferred

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge in the development, management and execution of sales and BD planning, lead generation, pipeline management, account planning, sales strategy and development
  • Ability to understand compensation incentive plans and strive to achieve revenue goals
  • Able to understands Business Development (BD) metrics and strive to achieve them
  • Ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead, and manage change
  • Capable of leading and managing a local team of people to accomplish desired results
  • Strong business acumen with an ability to understand and communicate BDO's business, marketplace and value proposition
  • Knowledge of contact management software including updating, maintenance and list generation
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Ability to work in a demanding, deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Excellent verbal and written communication as well as presentation skills
  • Ability to travel to participate in events or sales calls or attend regional or national meetings, as necessary

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
National Range: $150,000 - $180,000
Maryland Range: $150,000 - $180,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $150,000 - $180,000
About Us
At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you'll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.
Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.
BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you'll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.
We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm's success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we're building together.
Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more!
*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Click here to find out more!

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About BDO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BDO, culture is the first order of business. We succeed when we cultivate a conscious and caring corporate culture that puts people at the center of everything we do. In essence, the business of our business is to help people thrive every day. This mindset powers our growth by supporting the development of our people, the success of our clients, and the betterment of our communities. It means taking an expansive view of what’s possible, and committing ourselves to achieving exceptional outcomes. At BDO, we are cultivating a culture where our professionals thrive in their work of providing middle market leaders with insight-driven perspectives and assurance, tax and advisory services, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual.

Industry

Administrative assistance services and accounting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

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