Business Development Consultant | Talent Solutions

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

Skills

Accounting, Business Case, Business Development, Business Growth, Business Strategy, Campaigns, Communication Skills, Competitive Analysis/Strategy, Construction, Consulting, Customer Relations, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems, Customer Support/Service, Demand Generation, Distribution Channel, Distribution Services, Entrepreneurship, Exceeded Sales Goal, Executive Recruiting, Finance, Financial Services, Government, Head of Finance, Healthcare, High School Diploma, Higher Education, Hunting, Industry/Trade Analysis, Lead Generation, Leadership, Legal, Market Analysis, Market Segmentation, Marketing, Medical Billing, Needs Assessment, Negotiation Skills, Onboarding, Performance Metrics, Pricing, Product Planning, Product Positioning, Professional Services, Real Estate, Record Keeping, Revenue Growth, Sales, Sales Closing Skills, Sales Forecasting, Sales Pipeline, Sales Prospecting, Sales Qualification, Startup, Strategic Planning, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills

About the Company

CBIZ