Logo
Right Hand Talent

Principal, Business Development @ AI-Driven Investment Bank

Right Hand Talent, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

Save Job

Principal, Business Development @ AI-Driven Investment Bank 2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Location:

Chicago, IL (In-Person, River North)

Salary:

$300–400K OTE (uncapped earnings potential)

Our client is a rapidly scaling, AI-native financial advisory firm modernizing the sale and succession of industrial businesses. They help founders of legacy manufacturing, distribution, and construction companies prepare for transition — combining data-driven valuation insights with human dealmaking expertise.

Backed by leading venture investors, they’ve achieved impressive early traction and are building a new model for mid-market advisory services that bridges technology, empathy, and financial sophistication.

Principal, Business Development

Position Overview:

The Principal, Business Development will originate and close advisory engagements with owners of $5M–$100M revenue industrial companies. This role blends financial advisory acumen with consultative, relationship-driven sales—guiding founders through valuation, preparation, and exit planning.

You’ll manage ~12 clients at a time, leading long‑cycle engagements (6–18 months) that collectively represent $150–175M in annual enterprise value. Expect 40–60% travel and deep, in‑person client relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

Build and manage trusted relationships with business owners across industrial sectors.

Lead valuation and succession-readiness conversations with prospective clients.

Present the firm’s advisory platform as the bridge between modernization and maximum sale value.

Manage the entire engagement lifecycle—from initial discovery to signed agreement.

Partner with Investment Banking, CFO Services, and Marketing teams to ensure smooth handoffs and strong close rates.

Represent the firm at client sites and industry events throughout the Midwest.

Qualifications:

This isn’t a transactional sales role — it’s for a consultative dealmaker who thrives on complexity, relationships, and results. The right person brings both financial fluency and emotional intelligence to every conversation.



You likely fit if you:

Have 3–10 years of experience in investment banking, M&A advisory, consulting, private equity, or complex B2B sales.

Are financially fluent—you can discuss EBITDA, add‑backs, working capital, and valuation concepts with confidence.

Have a track record of exceeding quota (ideally 120%+ achievement) in large‑ticket or advisory sales.

Excel in long‑cycle, relationship-based sales and enjoy educating clients through sophisticated decisions.

Are equally at ease in a boardroom or a factory—build rapport with diverse business owners.

Are entrepreneurial and self‑directed—motivated by autonomy, ownership, and uncapped upside.

Take pride in turning complexity into clarity and helping clients realize life‑changing outcomes.



This role is not for you if:

You prefer high‑volume or purely digital selling over in‑person relationship building.

You lack experience with six‑figure or consultative B2B engagements.

You’re uncomfortable engaging with traditional or blue‑collar business owners.

You need rigid structure and step‑by‑step direction to succeed.

You’re looking for a short sales cycle or purely transactional compensation model.

What they offer:

Compensation:

$300–400K OTE with uncapped earnings potential; top performers can achieve seven figures annually.

Equity:

Meaningful ownership in a high‑growth firm redefining an underserved market.

Growth Path:

Opportunity to advance into senior sales leadership or strategic advisory roles.

Environment:

Collaborative, high‑energy office in Chicago’s River North district.

Impact:

Help business owners convert decades of work into generational wealth through thoughtful, modern succession solutions.

Interested?

If you’re reading this thinking “this is exactly me,” please DM me us LinkedIn!

Seniority level:

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:

Business Development and Sales

#J-18808-Ljbffr