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Business Development Manager

Location: Chicago, IL
Department: Business Development
Reports To: VP of Business Development

Experience Level: Entry-Level
Salary Range: $75,000–$95,000 base salary annually + Sales Commission + Profit Sharing Bonus Plan

Position Summary

Knott Laboratory is seeking a driven and relationship-focused Business Development Manager to support the growth of our engineering and forensic consulting services. In this role, you will build strategic partnerships, identify new business opportunities, expand existing client relationships, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients across the legal, insurance, construction, property management, and corporate sectors.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional with exceptional communication skills, a consultative sales approach, and a passion for connecting clients with technical experts who can solve complex challenges. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on company growth while collaborating with industry-leading engineers and consultants.

Essential Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales

• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities through networking, prospecting, referrals, and targeted outreach.
• Build and maintain relationships with attorneys, insurance carriers, and other key decision makers.
• Conduct client meetings to understand needs and position Knott Laboratory's services as tailored solutions.
• Develop and execute territory and account growth strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Meet or exceed business development goals and key performance indicators.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as a trusted consultant and primary point of contact for prospective and existing clients.
• Maintain regular communication to strengthen client relationships and identify additional service opportunities.
• Deliver exceptional customer service through responsiveness, professionalism, and follow-through.
• Support client retention and account expansion initiatives.

Marketing & Networking

• Represent Knott Laboratory at industry conferences, association meetings, trade shows, networking events, and educational programs.
• Coordinate client appreciation and relationship-building activities.
• Collaborate with marketing teams on campaigns, content development, and brand awareness initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to increase market visibility and drive lead generation.

CRM & Business Analytics

• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, opportunities, and sales activities within the CRM system.
• Track pipeline activity, sales forecasts, and business development performance metrics.
• Prepare reports and updates for leadership regarding sales activity and market opportunities.
• Analyze trends and identify opportunities for strategic growth.

Internal Collaboration

• Partner with engineers, project managers, and leadership to ensure seamless client experiences.
• Assist with proposal development, service presentations, and client onboarding.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions related to market expansion and business growth.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across departments.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of business development, sales, account management, client relationship management, or related experience.
• Proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Experience using CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within assigned territory.

Preferred

• Experience selling professional services, consulting services, engineering services, or technical solutions.
• Knowledge of the legal, engineering, or forensic consulting industries.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms.
• Demonstrated success managing sales pipelines and achieving revenue growth targets.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong business acumen and consultative selling abilities.
• Ability to identify client needs and communicate value-based solutions.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Professional presence and confidence interacting with senior-level decision makers.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel locally and regionally for client meetings and industry events.
• Ability to work from a home office, company office, and client locations.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology.
• Ability to occasionally lift and transport marketing materials and event supplies up to 25 pounds.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Within the first 12 months, a successful Business Development Manager will:

• Develop a strong network of clients and referral partners within their assigned market.
• Generate qualified opportunities that contribute to company revenue growth.
• Consistently execute business development activities and maintain a healthy sales pipeline.
• Deliver exceptional service that results in high client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Become a trusted resource for clients seeking engineering and forensic consulting expertise.
• Contribute to the growth and visibility of Knott Laboratory within key industries and geographic markets.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $75,000–$95,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
• Work Setting: Hybrid
• Benefits: 
  • Matching 401(k)
  • Company Profit Sharing Plan
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays
  • Professional Development Assistance
  • Tuition Reimbursement (up to $5,250/year)
  • Mileage reimbursement

Why Join Knott Laboratory?

You’ll join a values‑driven, people‑first firm where innovation, expertise, and growth are celebrated. With over 40 years of experience, Knott Laboratory is a nationally recognized forensic engineering firm. Our engineers serve as expert witnesses and offer both pre-litigation and post-litigation consulting services, contributing to enhanced safety and the advancement of design standards.