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Business Development Lead

Business Development Lead

AnswerLabChicago, IL, US
21 days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Business Development Lead

AnswerLab is a UX research and experience strategy firm that partners with the world's boldest brands to create experiences people love. We don't just deliver insightswe shape product direction, influence strategy, and accelerate innovation at companies like Amazon, American Express, Google, and Meta.

As a team of experience strategists, we uncover the "why" behind user behavior and transform it into clarity, direction, and momentum for our clients. Whether advising on AI, accessibility, or emerging technologies, we help design solutions that drive measurable business impact and build better futures for users.

What makes us successful is simple : the people who work here. We're a team of intelligent, curious, and collaborative professionals who care deeply about solving problems and making a difference. At AnswerLab, you're empowered to lead, grow, and have a real impactsupported by teammates who value thoughtful work, cross-functional collaboration, and yes, even a good laugh along the way.

Job Purpose & Impact

The Business Development Lead (BDL) is responsible for generating and qualifying new business opportunities to support AnswerLab's growth objectives. This junior sales role focuses exclusively on demand generation and lead generation within target accounts and industries. The BDL executes targeted outreach campaigns, engages prospects to uncover business needs, and schedules qualified meetings for senior members of the Business Development team. This role is critical in building a strong, high-quality pipeline that enables the broader BD team to focus on advancing and closing opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Demand & Lead Generation
  • Research and identify potential client organizations within priority industries, segments, and territories.
  • Execute multi-channel outreach (phone, email, LinkedIn, events) to engage decision-makers and influencers.
  • Qualify inbound and outbound leads using defined criteria, ensuring fit with AnswerLab's capabilities and target profile.
  • Schedule discovery calls, introductory meetings, and demos for senior BD team members.
  • Maintain consistent outreach activity to meet or exceed weekly and monthly KPIs for calls, emails, and meetings set.
  • Track and document all lead generation activities and prospect interactions in Salesforce.
  • Go-To-Market & Sales Support
  • Apply existing sales playbooks, messaging frameworks, and qualification scripts to prospect interactions.
  • Collaborate with Marketing to execute targeted campaigns, follow up on event leads, and nurture early-stage prospects.
  • Support the creation of prospect-specific collateral by providing account intelligence and contact insights.
  • Monitor and report on lead conversion rates, providing feedback on prospect quality and messaging effectiveness.
  • Cross-Functional Partnership
  • Partner with Business Development Managers and Directors to align outreach strategies with current priorities.
  • Share prospect and market insights with the broader BD team to refine target lists and approaches.
  • Coordinate with Growth Enablement to leverage tools, templates, and automation for more effective outreach.
  • Continuous Learning & Development
  • Actively participate in training on AnswerLab's services, GTM strategy, and value propositions.
  • Develop knowledge of industry trends, competitive positioning, and common client challenges.
  • Build skills in solution selling and consultative prospecting techniques to prepare for advancement into senior BD roles.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Top-line revenue growth
  • New business lead volume and quota support
  • Knowledge, Skills, & Experience

  • 13 years of experience in a sales, lead generation, or business development role; internship or entry-level professional experience considered.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage prospects effectively.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools (Salesforce experience preferred).
  • Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Resilient, self-motivated, and comfortable with outbound prospecting and high-volume outreach.
  • Willingness to learn and apply sales methodologies and best practices.
  • Curiosity and drive to understand client needs and align them with AnswerLab's capabilities.
  • In addition to expertly meeting the requirements outlined above, your success will be measured on our eight Core Values.

    AnswerLab Core Values

  • Build trust
  • Provide amazing service
  • Support and encourage inclusivity
  • Jump in to help others
  • Handle change with flexibility
  • Innovate our products and processes
  • Explore creative solutions to challenges
  • Make AnswerLab a great place to work
  • Physical Requirements

  • Overtime may be required to meet business objectives
  • Sitting for extended periods of time
  • Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices and objects
  • This role may require travel up to 25% of the time
  • Note : This job description is subject to change at any time.

    At AnswerLab, our mission is to create experiences people love. This means we strive to make our company a great place to work for people from all walks of life. Hiring people from a wide variety of backgrounds makes our company stronger and helps us achieve our mission.

    We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

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    Development Lead • Chicago, IL, US

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