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Entry Level Business Development Associate Jobs in Illinois

ALPHA MARKETING CONCEPTS INC

Be Seen First

(Entry Level) Business Sales Representative

Villa Park, IL · On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

Entry Level Business Representative Location: Chicago, IL Job Type: Full-Time | Entry Level If you ... Ongoing coaching and leadership development * A team environment that celebrates wins and supports ...

New

ALPHA MARKETING CONCEPTS INC

Be Seen First

(Entry Level) Business Sales Representative

Villa Park, IL · On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

Entry Level Business Representative Location: Chicago, IL Job Type: Full-Time | Entry Level If you ... Ongoing coaching and leadership development * A team environment that celebrates wins and supports ...

New

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBusiness Development Associate JobsEntry Level Business Development Associate JobsEntry Level Business Development Associate Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Business Development Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$28.1K

$54K

$89.2K

How much do entry level business development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level business development associate in Illinois is $54,045.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,100.00 and $59,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level business development associates, and how can they be overcome?

Entry Level Business Development Associates often encounter challenges such as building a robust client pipeline, handling rejection, and quickly learning about diverse industries. Overcoming these hurdles requires proactive communication, resilience, and a willingness to continuously learn from feedback and mentorship. Collaborating closely with sales, marketing, and senior business development team members can provide valuable insights and support, helping new associates adapt and thrive in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level business development associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Business Development Associate, you need strong interpersonal skills, basic understanding of sales and marketing principles, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, lead generation tools, and Microsoft Office Suite is commonly required. Excellent communication, resilience, and a proactive attitude help you stand out in building relationships and driving results. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying opportunities, managing client interactions, and supporting the company's growth objectives.

What does an entry level business development associate do?

An Entry Level Business Development Associate is responsible for supporting a company’s growth by identifying new business opportunities, generating leads, and assisting with client outreach. They often conduct market research, help prepare sales presentations, and build relationships with potential clients under the guidance of senior team members. This role is typically a starting position in the business development field and offers valuable experience in sales, marketing, and client management.

What is the difference between Entry Level Business Development Associate vs Sales Representative?

AspectEntry Level Business Development AssociateSales Representative
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often preferred; some roles may require familiarity with CRM toolsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sales certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, client meetings, prospectingOffice, retail, or field sales environments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, finance, and consulting firmsWidespread across retail, insurance, and manufacturing sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles focused on business growthLooking for direct sales roles and targets

While both roles involve engaging with clients and promoting products or services, the Entry Level Business Development Associate primarily focuses on identifying new business opportunities, building relationships, and supporting strategic growth. In contrast, a Sales Representative typically concentrates on closing sales and meeting sales targets. The associate role often requires more strategic outreach, whereas sales reps are more transaction-focused.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Business Development Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Business Development Associate job openings:
Entry Level Business Development Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Business Development Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,045 per year, or $26 per hour.

Business Development Associate - Ryan Transportation

Shamrock Trading Corporation

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Shamrock Trading Corporation rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About Shamrock Trading Corporation
Ryan Transportation is part of Shamrock Trading Corporation, a family of brands that has been serving the transportation and logistics industries since 1986. Shamrock offers factoring solutions, export financing, third-party logistics, a fuel card program and trucking technology.
Shamrock's mission since the start has been to create value and success for our customers, our partners and our people. Strong ethics, dedication to our customers and close attention to the marketplace are critical to the success and growth of the Shamrock brands. Shamrock is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, with multiple offices throughout the U.S. Our Downtown Chicago office is located in the Loop and near all major CTA and Metra Lines. With a state-of-the-art fitness center, sky garden, and options for eats in this office, Shamrock is a great place to work in Downtown Chicago!
Why You'll Love Working Here
Our award-winning culture is a testament to our commitment to growth, recognition and empowerment. From day one, we prioritize employees first, encouraging them to think and act like owners and providing endless opportunities for growth and self-development, both personally and professionally. Shamrock has been recognized as one of America's 2025 "Most Loved Workplaces" by Newsweek.
At Shamrock, we hire bright, ambitious people and give them the tools they need for a successful, long-term career here. Shamrock also offers a premier set of benefits for employees and their families:
  • Training and Development: Ongoing training and professional development opportunities, a Freight Immersion Training (FIT) Program for sales employees entering the transportation industry and a LEAD Program for aspiring leaders
  • Medical: Fully paid healthcare, dental and vision premiums for employees and eligible dependents, and gym benefits
  • Financial: Generous company 401(k) contributions and employee stock ownership after one year
  • Work-Life Balance: Competitive PTO and fully paid time off opportunities to volunteer within your community

About the Role
Ryan Transportation, a Shamrock company, is seeking an accomplished and highly competitive sales professional to join our team as a Business Development Associate. This role is designed for a driven hunter who thrives on winning new business and building long-term client partnerships in the freight brokerage and third-party logistics space.
In this position, you will be responsible for identifying, pursuing, and securing new accounts while strategically expanding relationships with existing customers. You will leverage deep industry knowledge, a consultative approach, and a relentless drive to deliver transportation solutions that create value and strengthen client relationships. Success in this position requires exceptional sales acumen, a proven track record of closing high-value deals, and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment. This is an in-office, performance-based role with significant earning potential for individuals who consistently meet and exceed business objectives.
What You'll Do
  • Consistently prospect and secure new customers requiring freight brokerage and 3PL services
  • Close and convert high-potential prospects into long-term clients
  • Build, grow, and maintain strategic relationships with existing customers to maximize account value
  • Identify and pursue opportunities to expand business within current accounts
  • Manage and advance a robust sales pipeline through effective use of CRM for lead handling, call tracking, and opportunity management
  • Serve as an industry expert in transportation logistics, advising clients with insight and credibility
  • Collaborate with leadership to refine sales strategies and drive business growth
  • Oversee customer onboarding, including contract negotiation, account setup, and operational handoff
  • Build strong internal partnerships across departments to ensure flawless service delivery

What You'll Bring
  • 2+ years of proven success in high-performance B2B sales, preferably in freight brokerage, logistics, or a related industry
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and close new business through cold calling, networking, and strategic outreach
  • Track record of exceeding sales targets in a competitive, quota-driven environment
  • Proficiency with CRM tools and disciplined pipeline management
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities
  • Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to thrive with minimal supervision
  • Experience in transportation, manufacturing, distribution, or food industries a plus
  • Willingness to travel as needed

Apply Today!
We're so excited to connect with you! If you want to work with forward-thinking people in an award-winning culture, submit your application today.
#LI-KP1 #LI-Onsite #ryantransportation
Having trouble submitting your application? Contact us at Recruiting@shamrocktradingcorp.com for support.

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