Business Development Consultant
At CBIZ Talent Solutions, we specialize in executive search and talent solutions, connecting top-tier leadership with organizations that demand excellence. Our recruiting experts are best-in-class, and now, we're looking to grow our business development team with a dedicated door opener who thrives on hunting new opportunities and building initial client relationships.
We're seeking a results-driven Business Development Consultant with a hunter mentality to identify and secure new client partnerships for our Executive Search division. You'll be the tip of the spear – opening doors, starting conversations, and landing new accounts – before handing them off to our recruiting team for execution. This is a high-impact, client-facing role focused exclusively on net new business. You are not responsible for delivery or recruiting, solely bringing in the business. Projects typically consist of CEO/President/Executive Directors, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Operating Officers, and Chief Development Officers. Clients are broad-based across various industries including: accounting & finance, real estate, construction, manufacturing and distribution, financial services, healthcare, government, higher education, legal, technology, and professional services. Search engagements span a wide range of roles, from functional leadership to high-impact C-suite and executive-level positions, requiring a consultative approach to talent acquisition and market intelligence.
Essential Functions and Primary Duties
- Identify, pursue, and secure new client partnerships in need of executive search services.
- Generate and qualify leads through outbound prospecting, networking, industry events, referrals, and cold outreach.
- Conduct initial discovery calls and presentations to understand client needs and articulate our value proposition.
- Build a strong pipeline of prospective clients and maintain accurate CRM records.
- Collaborate closely with the internal recruiting and delivery team to ensure seamless client handoff and onboarding.
- Stay informed on industry trends, talent challenges, and competitive landscape to strategically position our services.
- Consistently meet or exceed business development targets and KPIs.
- Support the development and adoption of growth opportunities such as: creating new partnerships, introducing new markets, and/or developing new approaches to add value to current customers
- Develop business cases to support investment decisions
- Develop and use strategic approaches to generating demand and sales
- Manage all phases of business development from translating corporate strategy into action to sourcing new business opportunities to negotiating and closing deals
- Lead the implementation phase through collaboration with specialist functions such as marketing, sales, and client service
- Implement strategic planning, including positioning, market and competitive analysis, customer segment selection and penetration plans, and related product positioning
- Populate and update relevant data in the designated customer relationship management system
- Participate in pricing and solution/service
- Handle objections by clarifying, emphasizing agreements, and working through differences to a positive conclusion
- Identify opportunities for campaigns, services, and distribution channels that will lead to an increase in sales
- Use knowledge of the market and competitors, identify and develop the company's unique selling propositions and differentiators
- Forecast sales targets and ensure they are met
- Additional responsibilities as assigned
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with executive-level hiring and talent acquisition services.
- Existing industry network or client contacts in key verticals (e.g., tech, healthcare, accounting, finance, government, etc.).
- Experience in a fast-paced or startup-like environment.
- Proven success in a business development or sales role, ideally in recruiting, staffing, executive search, or a related service industry.
- Natural hunter mindset – you enjoy cold outreach, building new relationships, and opening doors.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- CRM proficiency and solid pipeline management skills.
- Entrepreneurial spirit with a strategic, consultative approach.
Why Join Us
- High-impact role with room to grow.
- Competitive compensation structure with commission/bonus tied to new business.
- Flexible work environment.
- A powerhouse recruiting team ready to deliver top-tier talent for your clients.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent
- Some relevant industry experience
- Must obtain required licenses/credentials
- Superior command of verbal, written, presentation, and negotiation skills
- Proficient use of applicable technology
- Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing throughout all levels of the organization, both internally and externally
- Must be able to travel based on client and business needs