Business Development Representative

Business Development Representative

Location: River Grove, IL
Work Environment: On-Site 4 Days per Week
Employment Type: Full-Time
Start Date: ASAP
Compensation: $50,000–$55,000 Base + Uncapped Commission
OTE: $70,000–$75,000+

Our client is a third-generation, family-owned closeout and off-price distributor that has been serving major retailers and consumer brands for more than 65 years.

The company partners with global manufacturers and brands to move excess inventory, overstock, and returns through an established network of retailers, ecommerce businesses, wholesale buyers, and distributors.

Operating from a 400,000 sq. ft. distribution facility in River Grove, IL
, the organization has built a strong reputation within the wholesale industry and is continuing to invest heavily in growing its sales team.

Our client is seeking a motivated Business Development Representative (BDR) who wants to build a long-term career in sales.

This role sits at the front of the revenue engine. You'll be responsible for converting a steady flow of warm inbound interest into qualified opportunities while also building your own pipeline through outbound prospecting.

The company's website generates approximately 20–30 warm inbound leads each week
, giving you an immediate opportunity to engage potential customers while developing the outbound prospecting skills needed to become a successful Account Executive.

You'll work directly with experienced Account Executives and sales leadership, gaining hands‑on experience in prospecting, qualification, relationship building, wholesale distribution, and revenue generation.

• Respond quickly to warm inbound leads and begin the qualification process.

• Understand each prospect's business, buying needs, and potential fit.

• Convert inbound interest into qualified meetings, showroom visits, and opportunities for the Account Executive team.

• Maintain consistent follow-up to keep prospects engaged and moving forward.

• Identify the strongest opportunities and provide AEs with useful context before handoff.

• Build pipeline through outbound calling, email, Linked In, referrals, and other prospecting channels.

• Identify and engage independent retailers, ecommerce businesses, wholesale buyers, and distributors.

• Research potential customers and determine whether they align with the company's product mix and ideal customer profile.

• Develop relationships with buyers and decision-makers.

• Maintain consistent outbound activity while balancing a steady flow of inbound opportunities.

• Conduct qualification and onboarding conversations with prospective customers.

• Understand each prospect's business model, inventory needs, buying patterns, and potential opportunities.

• Ask thoughtful questions to determine fit and buying potential.

• Create qualified opportunities for the Account Executive team.

• Provide clear notes and customer context to ensure a smooth handoff.

• Host virtual showroom tours for prospective customers.

• Help buyers understand the company's inventory and purchasing opportunities.

• Communicate the value of accessing brand-name consumer products at competitive, below-market pricing.

• Create excitement around available inventory and help prospects understand how the company's model can support their business.

• Maintain accurate CRM records and activity logs.

• Track prospect interactions, follow-up, meetings, and next steps.

• Keep a clean and organized pipeline.

• Collaborate closely with Account Executives and sales leadership.

• Use coaching and feedback to continuously improve prospecting and qualification.

• 0–3 years of experience in sales, business development, recruiting, customer service, or another customer-facing role.

• A genuine desire to build a long-term career in sales.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Comfortable making outbound calls and engaging new prospects.

• Competitive, resilient, and motivated by measurable goals.

• Organized with strong follow-up skills.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-accountability…