Outside Sales and Business Development Manager

Company Description Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Chicago is part of a national industrial and commercial cleaning franchise network with 50 regional area franchisors, 12,000 commercial cleaning accounts and 2,000 independent unit janitorial franchise owners. The Chicago office, opened in 2005 and based in the greater Chicagoland area, supports over 50 successful franchise owners. Vanguard specializes in contract cleaning for a wide range of facilities, including offices, medical and clinical buildings, industrial sites, schools, churches and apartment complexes.

Team members join a growing, service-focused company committed to quality, reliability, and long-term client relationships.

Role Description The Outside Sales & Business Development Manager plays a dual role:

• Generating new business through direct sales efforts (new sales outreach, networking, presentations).
• Developing strategic partnerships with property managers, facility directors and local businesses to build long-term contract opportunities.

This position directly drives revenue growth and brand presence for the franchise’s commercial cleaning services. This is first and foremost a closer’s role. You will work a database of qualified leads, set your own appointments, and close. We are looking for a true hunter: someone who backs their own ability to close, wants their income tied directly to their results, and is driven by unlimited commission with no ceiling.

It is a full-time, hybrid role based in Glen Ellyn, IL, with a mix of in-office, field, and work-from-home responsibilities. This role focuses on generating new business, supporting franchisees by identifying client needs and aligning them with Vanguard’s services. Day-to-day tasks include prospecting and qualifying leads, conducting on-site walkthroughs, preparing and presenting proposals, negotiating contracts, and ensuring a smooth onboarding process for new customers.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate CRM records, meeting sales activity and revenue targets, and collaborating with the local leadership team on sales strategies and market outreach.

Qualifications

• Strong sales and account management skills, including prospecting, lead qualification, proposal development, and contract negotiation.
• Customer service and relationship-building skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, manage expectations, and resolve issues promptly.
• Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple accounts, follow up consistently, and maintain detailed records in Salesforce.
• Comfort working in a hybrid environment, conducting on-site client visits in the Chicagoland area and managing tasks from the office or home.
• Ability to learn and explain commercial cleaning services, facility types, and basic operational considerations to clients and prospects.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented work style with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales or performance targets.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation for local travel, and willingness to visit customer locations regularly.
• Previous sales, business development, or account management experience in B2B services or facilities-related industries preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field is a plus.

Cultural Alignment

• Collaborate openly
  - You enjoy working with others, value diverse perspectives and believe the best ideas come from teamwork
• Take ownership
  - You're proactive, accountable, have a system in place, and are a problem solver. You don't wait for direction to make a positive impact
• Adaptability
  - You embrace learning, ask thoughtful questions and are comfortable navigating change.
• Integrity
  - You're honest, respectful and do the right thing even when it's hard and may not result in the sale.

Compensation

• Base Salary - annual base is your guaranteed floor while you build your pipeline
• Commission - no cap, commission paid on every new account you close based on the first month's recurring billing
• Benefits - PTO, Health, 401(k) and Car Allowance