Principal of Business Development (Remote)

Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search seeks a Principal of Business Development to drive growth for a rapidly scaling advisory firm. The role targets high‑value opportunities by engaging C‑suite decision‑makers and converting executive access into sustainable revenue, with a hybrid setup in the Houston area.

Ideal candidate has 12+ years in complex B2B sales, a history of $13M+ revenue, and a broad, portable network across finance, PE, and technology.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of consultative professional services or complex B2B sales experience.
• Proven ability to build and generate $13M+ in revenue.
• Access to CFOs and other senior executive decision-makers.
• Portable network or market-access mechanism (industry relationships, PE connections, partnerships).

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and close high‑value advisory engagements with C‑suite leaders across finance, operations, technology.
• Activate networks and partnerships to create qualified new‑business opportunities.
• Lead complex consultative sales cycles from discovery to close.
• Collaborate with Managing Directors and experts to tailor solutions and own the sales process.
• Maintain a disciplined pipeline, forecast revenue, and uncover new opportunities.

Skills

Business development

C-suite selling

Consultative selling

Strategic networking

Pipeline management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance/Accounting/Marketing

MBA or advanced degree (plus)

Job description

Principal of Business Development (Remote)

• Houston, TX

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 Houston metro area market, serving key client accounts across the region. 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.