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Retention Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Retention Agent

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Re-negotiate contracts in an effort to retain customer business ... Manage customer accounts * Answer consumer questions about their policy, claims and/or billing

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Retention Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.1K

$53.9K

$87.2K

How much do retention manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for retention manager in Chicago, IL is $53,918.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,109.00 and $60,558.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of a retention manager?

A retention manager is responsible for developing strategies to improve customer loyalty and reduce churn. They analyze customer data, create engagement campaigns, and collaborate with sales and marketing teams to retain existing clients. Strong communication skills and familiarity with CRM tools are often essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the retention manager position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retention Manager, you need expertise in customer relationship management, data analysis, and strategy development, often supported by a degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, marketing automation tools, and data analytics platforms is commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and a customer-centric mindset are standout soft skills for this position. These combined competencies ensure effective design and execution of retention strategies, driving sustained customer loyalty and business growth.

What does a retention manager do?

A Retention Manager is responsible for developing strategies to improve customer loyalty and reduce churn. They analyze customer data, create engagement initiatives, and collaborate with marketing and customer service teams to enhance the overall customer experience. Their goal is to build long-term relationships with customers, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.

What are the common challenges faced by a retention manager, and how can they be addressed?

Retention Managers often face the challenge of identifying early signs of customer dissatisfaction and developing tailored strategies to improve engagement and loyalty. Balancing personalized outreach with scalable processes, analyzing large volumes of customer data, and collaborating across departments are typical hurdles in this role. Success often requires staying updated with industry trends, fostering strong communication channels with both customers and internal teams, and continuously testing and refining retention initiatives. By proactively addressing these challenges, Retention Managers play a crucial role in minimizing churn and supporting long-term business success.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Retention Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Retention Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Retention Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Retention Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Retention Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,918 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Retention Sales Specialist - Bannockburn, IL

Waste Management

Bannockburn, IL • Hybrid

$22.26 - $25.92/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 645 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Stericycle is now part of WM.  To learn more about WM's acquisition of Stericycle, CLICK HERE to read the press release.


I. Job Summary
Under manager supervision, this position is responsible for retaining customers that are 'at risk', have been identified as potential lost business, or have requested cancellation of service with WMHS. This position supports cancellation/downgrade requests for individual accounts, "group" accounts or multi location customers that are part of our WMHS business. Team members will attempt to determine customers' needs/requirements and negotiate an appropriate resolution by right sizing, re-pricing, and/or resolving service quality issues. Team Members will resolve customer complaints and concerns through active listening, empathy, and professionalism. Team Members will demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers. 

The candidate will be in office Tuesday - Thursday.


II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 

  • Re-negotiate contracts in an effort to retain customer business, when necessary. Mediate customer's requests while still maintaining a profitable level of revenue and leveraging higher level service programs.
  • Utilize 'Value Based Sales Skills' to uncover client's existing service issues and needs, explain contract obligations if any (i.e. liquidated damages), provide alternatives for consideration (i.e. fewer pick-ups, alternative pricing, etc.), sell the value of the recommended solution, and retain/up-sell revenue.
  • Manage cases assigned to you within prescribed service level expectations and utilize effective sales skills to attain a minimum 100% of assigned revenue.
  • Work with cross functional team members including transportation, billing, collections, sales, and customer experience departments to assist in providing satisfactory solutions from the customer perspective in order to retain business.
  • Proactively contact customers who have been identified as "at risk" for cancelling services using approved sales tactics and strategies to retain potential lost business
  • Exercise appropriate level of discretion for credits and approvals in accordance with departmental policies by utilizing the tools and technology provided.
  • Effectively utilize technology based CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool for lead follow-up, sale cycle disposition, pipeline management, forecasting and lost opportunity tracking. Keep comprehensive and accurate notes in the system.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned.


III. Qualifications - Must live and work in the U.S.
A. Required Qualifications 
 

  • 2 years of telesales experience, or the equivalent in related work experience, demonstrating the ability to manage and develop existing and prospective accounts .


B. Preferred Qualifications 
 

  • Bachelor's Degree in sales or marketing


IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Combination: This job operates in a mix between an office environment and plant/field environment and routinely requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, etc.

Pay: The expected base pay range for this hybrid position is $22.26 -$25.92. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location. In addition, this position is eligible for incentive pay.
V. Benefits 
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. 

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.


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