Principal of Business Development (Remote)

Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search is seeking a Principal of Business Development to accelerate growth in a remote-capable, high-visibility advisory role. You will open doors with C-suite executives and leverage PE relationships to drive meaningful revenue.

Located in the Chicago area with a flexible hybrid schedule and travel as needed, you will own the end-to-end sales process and build a long-term client portfolio across targeted markets.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of consultative professional services or complex B2B sales experience.
• Demonstrated track record of building and generating $13M+ in revenue.
• Ability to operate credibly at the C-suite with access to CFOs and senior decision-makers.
• Possess a portable network or market-access mechanism across industries and partnerships.
• Hunter mindset with the ability to independently create opportunities and revenue.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and close high-value advisory engagements with C-suite executives.
• Leverage industry and PE relationships to create qualified new-business opportunities.
• Lead end-to-end complex sales cycles from discovery to close.
• Collaborate with MDs and practice leaders to tailor solutions and own the sales process.
• Build and manage a disciplined pipeline, forecast revenue, and expand opportunities.

Skills

C-suite relationships

Business development

Revenue growth

Strategic networking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

CRM systems

Salesforce

Job description

Principal of Business Development (Remote)

• Chicago, IL

The Opportunity

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.

About the Company

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.

Location

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.

What You Will Do

• 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.

Who You Are

• 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

Ideal Candidate Profile

An articulate, commercially sharp business developer who knows how to create opportunity—not simply manage existing relationships. This individual is skilled at engaging senior executives, asking thoughtful questions that uncover business needs, and translating those needs into actionable opportunities. They build trust quickly, navigate complex sales cycles, and effectively mobilize internal subject‑matter experts to develop and close solutions.

Education & Qualifications

• 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.

Why Join the Team?

Join a rapidly growing advisory firm where high‑performing sellers have the autonomy, speed, and executive access to build meaningful business. With expanding opportunities across healthcare, technology, financial services, and other target markets, you’ll have significant whitespace to develop relationships and grow revenue. The firm offers strong leadership support, professional development, team incentives, and potential long‑term equity opportunities for proven growth leaders.