Principal of Business Development (Remote)

Naviga•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our client is seeking a proven Business Development Executive to accelerate growth within a rapidly scaling advisory firm. This role is focused on creating new market opportunities by leveraging C-suite, industry, technology, and private equity relationships to open doors and convert executive-level access into meaningful, long-term revenue. This is a high-visibility opportunity to drive top-line growth, expand across targeted markets and industries, and build a significant, long-term portfolio within a differentiated and growing advisory platform. Our client is a rapidly growing corporate advisory and consulting firm that combines deep professional-services expertise with an entrepreneurial, highly agile approach. The firm provides specialized solutions across financial advisory, business transformation, technology, M&A, and C-suite advisory, serving middle-market and private equity-backed organizations. With a collaborative culture and minimal bureaucracy, the organization enables teams to move quickly, build trusted executive relationships, and deliver meaningful results for clients. Based in the Chicago metro area market, establishing key enterprise advisory partnerships. This position features a flexible hybrid work schedule designed for active market engagement and client networking. Regional travel across target metro markets and client sites is required as needed to cultivate relationships and close key opportunities.

Requirements

12+ years of consultative professional services or complex B2B sales experience.
Demonstrated track record of building and generating $13M+ in revenue.
Demonstrated ability to operate credibly at the C-suite level, with established access to CFOs and/or other senior executive decision-makers.
Possess a portable, active network or market-access mechanism, such as deep industry relationships, private equity/portfolio company relationships, technology or channel partnerships, or professional-services alumni networks.
Highly self-motivated hunter with the ability to independently create new opportunities and generate revenue.
An articulate, commercially sharp business developer who knows how to create opportunity—not simply manage existing relationships.
Skilled at engaging senior executives, asking thoughtful questions that uncover business needs, and translating those needs into actionable opportunities.
Builds trust quickly, navigates complex sales cycles, and effectively mobilizes internal subject-matter experts to develop and close solutions.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
Equivalent experience in professional services business development, complex consultative sales, Big 4/Tier 2 professional services, private equity, or technology/channel partnerships will be considered.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

Identify, develop, and close high-value advisory engagements by building relationships with C-suite and senior decision-makers across finance, operations, technology, and other executive functions.
Activate and expand personal networks, industry relationships, private equity/portfolio company connections, and technology or channel partnerships to create qualified new-business opportunities.
Lead complex consultative sales cycles end-to-end, from executive-level discovery and opportunity development through solution alignment, proposal, negotiation, and close.
Partner closely with Managing Directors, practice leaders, and subject-matter experts to develop tailored solutions while maintaining ownership of the sales process and client relationship.
Build and manage a disciplined pipeline, accurately forecast revenue, and continually identify new opportunities across target markets, industries, and client relationships.