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Sales Development Executive Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

NCC Group

Business Development Executive

Chicago, IL · On-site

Sales Employment Type: Full Time Location: USA Chicago Description We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Junior Account Manager (internally known as Business Development Executive) to ...

Empist

Business Development Executive

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Onsite Monday-Thursday | Remote Friday Full-time Build your sales career while helping businesses ... We are currently seeking a Business Development Executive for our growing team! This role is ideal ...

Sodexo

Inside Business Development Executive

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $155K/yr

The Inside Business Development Executive drives new business growth for Sodexo's InReach ... About the job Join a dynamic, client-focused sales team where you'll be the driving force behind ...

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All JobsSales Development JobsSales Development Executive JobsSales Development Executive Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sales Development Executive information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$58.2K

$67.6K

$75.3K

How much do sales development executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for sales development executive in Chicago, IL is $67,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $72,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sales Development Executive?

To thrive as a Sales Development Executive, you need strong prospecting, lead generation, and communication skills, typically supported by a degree in business or marketing. Familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce, email automation tools, and sales analytics platforms is highly beneficial. Persistence, active listening, and resilience are standout soft skills for building relationships and overcoming objections. These qualities are crucial for effectively generating qualified leads and contributing to the overall sales pipeline and revenue growth.

What are the main challenges Sales Development Executives face when qualifying leads, and how can they overcome them?

Sales Development Executives often encounter challenges such as reaching the right decision-makers, handling objections, and maintaining consistent follow-up with prospects. Overcoming these obstacles involves thorough research to identify key contacts, active listening to address concerns, and using CRM tools to track communications and ensure timely follow-ups. Building rapport and demonstrating value early in conversations also help increase qualification success rates and set up productive meetings for the sales team.

What is the difference between Sales Development Executive vs Business Development Representative?

AspectSales Development ExecutiveBusiness Development Representative
Primary FocusGenerating qualified leads and setting sales appointmentsIdentifying new business opportunities and building relationships
ResponsibilitiesCold calling, email outreach, qualifying inbound leadsMarket research, networking, strategic partnership development
Skills & CredentialsCommunication, CRM proficiency, sales techniquesResearch skills, negotiation, industry knowledge
Work EnvironmentSales teams, B2B or B2C settingsBusiness strategy teams, client-facing roles

While both roles focus on growth and client engagement, a Sales Development Executive primarily qualifies leads and sets appointments, whereas a Business Development Representative focuses on exploring new markets and building strategic relationships. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or hiring the right candidate.

Is a sales development executive an entry level position?

A sales development executive role is often considered an entry-level position in sales, focusing on lead generation and outreach. However, some companies may require prior sales or customer service experience, and the role can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced sales positions.

What does a sales development executive do?

A sales development executive is responsible for identifying and qualifying potential sales leads, often through research, outreach, and cold calling. They focus on generating new business opportunities for the sales team and typically use customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track prospects and progress.

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

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

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

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

Sales Development Executive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sales Development Executive job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,589 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Senior Business Development Executive

Haworth, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Haworth rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 52 rated furniture manufacturers

Job description

Job Title: Senior Business Development Executive
Posting Start Date: 7/28/26
Continue to be a Part of the Future of Workspace Innovation at Haworth
Are you ready to shape the future of how people work, live, and thrive? At Haworth, we're not just creating furniture, we're revolutionizing the way the world interacts with spaces. As a global pioneer in workspace design since 1948, we've been pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities for over seven decades.
We're looking for visionaries like you to help write the next chapter of our story.
Discover more here!
Job Overview
We are currently looking for a Senior Business Development Executive to join our team in Chicago, IL.
As a Senior Business Development Executive, you will:
Accelerate business growth through the design and execution of innovative market strategies that build enduring customer partnerships and generate sustained revenue. Lead efforts to expand market share across strategic targets, new business opportunities, and existing accounts while fostering strong dealer alliances that drive long-term value. Leverage deep business insight to secure high-impact opportunities and deliver results that consistently outperform financial objectives.
Essential Functions
  • Architects and drives a comprehensive business growth strategy and share-of-wallet expansion plan within assigned new, target, and existing accounts to consistently outperform revenue and product-mix targets.
  • Cultivates and leverages client and influencer relationships to build trust and unlock new business. Leads negotiations to secure long-term, profitable agreements for Haworth and its dealer network.
  • Maintains sharp, forward-looking market intelligence-tracking economic, industry, and cultural trends-and actively networks, engaging with business leaders and key influencers to uncover high-value business opportunities.
  • Leads new business development engagements with dealer partners to co-create strategies for expanding market share and driving revenue growth. Presents qualified new business opportunities and outlines actionable pursuit plans. Equips dealer partners with compelling campaigns, solution education, and incentives that accelerate joint profitability; leads complex deal structuring and negotiations to secure long-term, high-margin agreements.
  • Effectively manages business plan, keeps information current on sales activities, ongoing strategy for sales development, and results for all assigned target and existing accounts, and new business opportunities.
  • May travel up to 80% to meet face to face with clients, influencers, and dealers.
  • Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
  • Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
  • Performs other duties within scope as assigned.

Required Qualifications
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Business, Communications, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Marketing, Sales, Project Management, or equivalent.
  • Education Equivalency:
    • Associate's degree plus 2 years related experience or,
    • High school diploma plus 4 years related experience.

Work Experience:
  • 5 years experience in consultative B2B, solution-based sales role with demonstrated track of generating revenue and meeting sales targets.
  • Military Equivalency: https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military

Additionally:
  • Ability to work in Chicago, IL without relocation assistance.
  • Current and continuing right to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Contract office furniture or commercial interiors experience preferred.
  • Experience in commercial real estate, project management, or architecture & design.

Compensation and Benefits
Haworth offers a competitive total rewards package including base salary determined based on the role, experience, skill set, and location. For those in eligible roles, sales incentive bonuses may be awarded in recognition of individual achievements and contributions. We also offer a range of benefits and programs to meet our member needs, based on eligibility. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage, a retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time, and much more. Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process. This role offers a base salary range of 120-150k, depending on candidate experience, education, and skill set.
#LI-CD1
Design your future with Haworth
Headquartered in Holland Michigan, Haworth is a family owned global powerhouse at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design in the workspace interiors industry. Here, you'll have access to state of the art resources, collaborate with cross functional teams of passionate innovators, and experience a blend of global reach with personal growth opportunities. Whether you're developing new manufacturing processes, implementing smart factory solutions, or designing tomorrow's workspace solutions, you'll be empowered to make a lasting impact while growing your career.
We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. Your hard work, dedication, and talent are the foundation of our success and enable us to build meaningful connections with our customers and each other.
At Haworth, members enjoy benefits from their first day of employment:
  • 20 Days Paid Time Off: Plus, the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
  • Health Benefits: Priority Health Medical options, Delta Dental, and Vision Insurance.
  • 401k Match: Contribute 6% of your annual salary, and Haworth will match up to 7%.
  • Insurance Coverage: Company-provided Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
  • On-Site Gym
  • Annual Bonus Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Volunteer Time Off
  • Parental Leave
  • Pet Insurance
  • Zero Waste to Landfill

Haworth Values
At Haworth, we have a strong set of values that guide our business and help us align with our customers.
We listen to our Customers. We rely on our Members. We honor Integrity. We embrace Continuous Learning. We lead with Design. We create Value. We work to make the World better.
Join the Haworth family. Apply for this job, or learn more about the many possibilities at Haworth: Home Page

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