Entry Level Business Development Associate Jobs in Illinois

Amazing Career Moments Happen Here 

Transforming the insurance industry is ambitious, we know. That’s why at Applied, we’re building a team that shows up every day ready to learn, willing to try new things, and driven to deliver innovative software and services that make us indispensable to our customers – all within a culture built on values that make us indispensable to each other too. With 40+ years of experience in the Insurtech game, we’re not just redefining what’s achievable, we’re creating a place where amazing career moments are made possible. 

Position Overview 

Applied Systems, Inc., a worldwide leader in insurance technology, is currently searching for an Associate Business Development Representative.  This person will play a crucial role in managing inbound leads and nurturing them through the qualification process, helping to connect potential clients with the right technology solutions to transform their business. You'll be the first point of contact for many of our prospects, guiding them through the early stages of their journey with Applied Systems.

What You’ll Do

• Engage inbound MQLs and initial inquiries to determine intent, validate fit, and route qualified opportunities to the appropriate sales consultant.
• Conduct structured discovery to identify core agency needs, qualify against defined criteria, and generate consistent Stage 1 opportunities.
• Maintain a high-quality early-stage pipeline by accurately applying qualification standards and progressing viable opportunities to Stage 2.
• Execute outbound outreach (calls + email) to initiate conversations, build initial rapport, and surface potential interest.
• Capture key prospect insights (pain points, objections, common themes) and share weekly feedback to support messaging and process improvements.
• Maintain disciplined CRM hygiene by documenting activities, updating opportunity details, and following defined workflows across systems.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of Applied solutions, ICP, and competitive positioning to support effective early-stage conversations.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

We’re Excited to Learn More About You 

• Experience working in a customer-facing role, such as sales, customer support, or business development, ideally in a B2B environment.
• Experience working in lead qualifying, customer relationship management, or account management.
• Experience working with CRM software; experience with Salesforce a plus.
• Associate's Degree (AA) required. Focus in Sales, Business Administration, Marketing, or related discipline preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in Professional Sales, Business, or related discipline preferred

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities

• Effective communicator with a strong phone presence.
• Sales-driven mindset.
• Sound problem-solving skills, and proactive efforts in seeking solutions to problems.
• Proficient in email, word processing, database, spreadsheet in PC environments.
• Ability to convey a positive and professional image to customers and employees.
• Ability to handle objections and constructive feedback.
• Driven to meet and exceed lead qualification and conversion goals, with the ability to work independently.
• Strong desire to learn about the product, market, and customer needs.
• Knowledge of industry: Familiarity with our industry and market (insurance, SaaS, technology, etc.) is a plus but not required.
• Comfortable with sales and marketing tools such as live chat.
• Comfortable using a variety of digital tools, including email, chat, video conferencing, and collaboration platforms.
• Familiarity with online research tools to better understand prospect needs and backgrounds is a plus.
• Introductory knowledge of inbound sales methodologies or Lead Qualification frameworks is preferred.

Key Performance Outcomes

• Inbound inquiries are handled promptly and with professionalism, resulting in qualified next steps or appropriate resolution.
• Client and prospect needs are accurately identified and documented, ensuring relevant solutions are aligned to business challenges.
• Engagement with warm leads results in scheduled follow-ups, discovery meetings, or handoffs to sales team as appropriate.
• Prospects receive a personalized experience that reflects their specific needs and business context, increasing conversion likelihood.
• Leads are tracked and nurtured through the sales process using approved tools and cadence, contributing to a healthy pipeline.
• Effective coordination with the sales team ensures seamless handoffs and up-to-date opportunity tracking.
• Activity and opportunity output consistently meet or exceed established benchmarks (e.g., calls, emails, qualified leads).

We know that talent comes from all backgrounds and experience levels. We encourage military members and their spouses as well as candidates without a degree or a background in tech to apply! 

When You Join Team Applied, You Can Expect

A culture that values who you are and recognizes that you aren’t just an employee; you are a teammate, and you matter. We thrive on the benefits of our different experiences and celebrate the uniqueness our teammates bring to work with them every day. 

We flex our time together, collaborating remotely and in-person to empower our teams to work in the ways that work best for them. 

A comprehensive benefits and compensation package that centers our teammates and helps them to bring their best to work every day: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage 
• Holiday and Vacation Time 
• Health and Wellness Days 
• A Bonus Day for Your Birthday  

Our targeted starting total cash compensation in the United States for this position ranges from $40,000 - $48,000. per year. This range includes base salary and on-target performance-based variable commissions. Actual earnings are uncapped, and many team members exceed on-target amounts by surpassing their sales goals. To determine a new team member’s starting pay, we consider a variety of factors, including depth, breadth, and variety of experience, skills, and responsibilities.

Learn more about the people behind our products at: https://www1.appliedsystems.com/en-us/about-us/jobs/  

Your Security Matters

Our candidates’ personal information and online safety are top of mind for us. At Applied, we proactively protect your personal information and only communicate with candidates via a secure @appliedsystems.com email or through our official careers’ portal. Recruiters will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information like social security numbers. 

EEO Statement

Applied Systems is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Diversity and Inclusion is a business imperative and is a part of building our brand and reputation. At Applied, we don’t discriminate, and we are committed to recruit, develop, retain, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. 

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