Role: Principal, Business Development 

Location: Chicago, IL (In-Person, River North)

Salary: $300–400K OTE (uncapped earnings potential)

Our client is a rapidly scaling, AI-native financial advisory firm modernizing the sale and succession of industrial businesses. They help founders of legacy manufacturing, distribution, and construction companies prepare for transition — combining data-driven valuation insights with human dealmaking expertise.

Backed by leading venture investors, they’ve achieved impressive early traction and are building a new model for mid-market advisory services that bridges technology, empathy, and financial sophistication.

Position Overview:

The Principal, Business Development will originate and close advisory engagements with owners of $5M–$100M revenue industrial companies. This role blends financial advisory acumen with consultative, relationship-driven sales - guiding founders through valuation, preparation, and exit planning.

You’ll manage ~12 clients at a time, leading long-cycle engagements (6–18 months) that collectively represent $150–175M in annual enterprise value. Expect 40–60% travel and deep, in-person client relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and manage trusted relationships with business owners across industrial sectors.
• Lead valuation and succession-readiness conversations with prospective clients.
• Present the firm’s advisory platform as the bridge between modernization and maximum sale value.
• Manage the entire engagement lifecycle — from initial discovery to signed agreement.
• Partner with Investment Banking, CFO Services, and Marketing teams to ensure smooth handoffs and strong close rates.
• Represent the firm at client sites and industry events throughout the Midwest.

Qualifications:

This isn’t a transactional sales role — it’s for a consultative dealmaker who thrives on complexity, relationships, and results. The right person brings both financial fluency and emotional intelligence to every conversation.

✅ You likely fit if you:

• Have 3–10 years of experience in investment banking, M&A advisory, consulting, private equity, or complex B2B sales.
• Are financially fluent - you can discuss EBITDA, add-backs, working capital, and valuation concepts with confidence.
• Have a track record of exceeding quota (ideally 120%+ achievement) in large-ticket or advisory sales.
• Excel in long-cycle, relationship-based sales and enjoy educating clients through sophisticated decisions.
• Are equally at ease in a boardroom or a factory - you build rapport with diverse business owners.
• Are entrepreneurial and self-directed - motivated by autonomy, ownership, and uncapped upside.
• Take pride in turning complexity into clarity and helping clients realize life-changing outcomes.

❌ This role is not for you if:

• You prefer high-volume or purely digital selling over in-person relationship building.
• You lack experience with six-figure or consultative B2B engagements.
• You’re uncomfortable engaging with traditional or blue-collar business owners.
• You need rigid structure and step-by-step direction to succeed.
• You’re looking for a short sales cycle or purely transactional compensation model.

What they offer:

• Compensation: $300 - 400K OTE with uncapped earnings potential; top performers can achieve seven figures annually.
• Equity: Meaningful ownership in a high-growth firm redefining an underserved market.
• Growth Path: Opportunity to advance into senior sales leadership or strategic advisory roles.
• Environment: Collaborative, high-energy office in Chicago’s River North district.
• Impact: Help business owners convert decades of work into generational wealth through thoughtful, modern succession solutions.

Interested?

If you’re reading this thinking “this is exactly me”, please DM me on LinkedIn!🔗