Crucial Hire
Business Development Associate – Executive Search (Chicago | In-Office)
About Crucial Hire
Crucial Hire is a boutique executive search firm in Chicago’s Gold Coast specializing in high-impact HR and People Leadership roles ranging from $90K to $600K in total compensation. We partner directly with CEOs, CHROs, and executive leadership teams who expect excellence — and we take that responsibility seriously. We are selective, thoughtful, and invested in the people we hire. We’re grown through credibility, trusted relationships, and a reputation for delivering results. When we call, people return our calls. When we reach out, candidates often send resumes immediately. You will be representing a brand that people actually like hearing from. About the Role
We are seeking a Business Development Associate who brings energy, discipline, emotional intelligence, and a genuinely human presence to executive recruiting. This is an in-person role in our Gold Coast office. It is not a remote job, and it is not a back-office position. This is a voice-forward, handshake-driven, relationship-building role. You will talk to HR leaders, CHROs, business executives, and hiring decision-makers daily. For the right person, this is a career-defining entry point into executive search, with clear opportunity to grow into a full recruiter role. Responsibilities
Make 40–60 outbound calls per day to HR leaders, senior executives, and decision-makers
Follow up on 100+ warm leads per month; Crucial Hire receives real callbacks
Build and manage your own targeted outreach pipeline
Attend local HR and business networking events
Participate in client meetings and candidate interviews
Shadow executive-level recruiting conversations and searches
Represent Crucial Hire with a confident, professional, and approachable presence
Learn executive search fundamentals and grow into a recruiter capable of owning searches
Qualifications
We value candidates who come from competitive early-career sales or recruiting environments such as: Enterprise Rent‑A‑Car, Kforce, Aerotek/TEKsystems, ADP, Paychex, CUTCO/Vector, CDW, Xerox, Cintas, Northwestern Mutual, Insight Global, Robert Half, Randstad, Grainger, Fastenal, Verizon Business, Sysco/US Foods, Yelp/Yellow Pages, ZoomInfo, HubSpot, Salesforce, Staples/Office Depot B2B, PepsiCo/Frito‑Lay, DHL/UPS/FedEx Business Sales, United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, hospitality sales roles (Marriott/Hyatt/Hilton), Equinox/Lifetime corporate sales, top‑performing auto sales professionals, and early‑career pharma/medical device programs. Beyond background, success in this role requires: Strong verbal communication and confidence on the phone
High callback rates driven by tone, professionalism, and follow‑through
A disciplined, organized, high‑accountability work style
Emotional intelligence and empathy for clients, candidates, and their decision‑making process
Confidence with humility and the ability to build trust quickly
A sense of humor and a grounded, people‑first approach
A desire to be part of something meaningful — not just “a job”
The presence and maturity to become a role model within the team
Required Skills
Proven B2B sales or agency recruiting experience
Strong phone and communication skills
Relationship‑building instincts
Self‑discipline and reliability
Emotional intelligence and professionalism
Preferred Skills
Experience with recruiting or executive search
Familiarity with HR, talent acquisition, or business networking events
Ability to learn quickly by shadowing senior leadership
Compensation
Base salary: $50,000 Performance bonuses available Work Environment
In‑office role in our Gold Coast location
Standard hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Occasional extended hours when business needs require it
High‑performance, supportive, and growth‑oriented environment
Direct mentorship and real‑time coaching from Crucial Hire’s Chief Talent Officer
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Crucial Hire, you are not another resume on a spreadsheet. You are someone we invest in — personally and professionally. Our standard is simple: hire people so strong and so grounded that we feel fortunate they chose us. How to Apply
Please submit your resume or LinkedIn profile to
zach@crucialhire.com . Candidates may also schedule a brief introductory conversation at:
https://calendly.com/crucialhire/15min If this opportunity feels aligned with your strengths and ambitions, we encourage you to apply. Click here to apply online
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About Crucial Hire
Crucial Hire is a boutique executive search firm in Chicago’s Gold Coast specializing in high-impact HR and People Leadership roles ranging from $90K to $600K in total compensation. We partner directly with CEOs, CHROs, and executive leadership teams who expect excellence — and we take that responsibility seriously. We are selective, thoughtful, and invested in the people we hire. We’re grown through credibility, trusted relationships, and a reputation for delivering results. When we call, people return our calls. When we reach out, candidates often send resumes immediately. You will be representing a brand that people actually like hearing from. About the Role
We are seeking a Business Development Associate who brings energy, discipline, emotional intelligence, and a genuinely human presence to executive recruiting. This is an in-person role in our Gold Coast office. It is not a remote job, and it is not a back-office position. This is a voice-forward, handshake-driven, relationship-building role. You will talk to HR leaders, CHROs, business executives, and hiring decision-makers daily. For the right person, this is a career-defining entry point into executive search, with clear opportunity to grow into a full recruiter role. Responsibilities
Make 40–60 outbound calls per day to HR leaders, senior executives, and decision-makers
Follow up on 100+ warm leads per month; Crucial Hire receives real callbacks
Build and manage your own targeted outreach pipeline
Attend local HR and business networking events
Participate in client meetings and candidate interviews
Shadow executive-level recruiting conversations and searches
Represent Crucial Hire with a confident, professional, and approachable presence
Learn executive search fundamentals and grow into a recruiter capable of owning searches
Qualifications
We value candidates who come from competitive early-career sales or recruiting environments such as: Enterprise Rent‑A‑Car, Kforce, Aerotek/TEKsystems, ADP, Paychex, CUTCO/Vector, CDW, Xerox, Cintas, Northwestern Mutual, Insight Global, Robert Half, Randstad, Grainger, Fastenal, Verizon Business, Sysco/US Foods, Yelp/Yellow Pages, ZoomInfo, HubSpot, Salesforce, Staples/Office Depot B2B, PepsiCo/Frito‑Lay, DHL/UPS/FedEx Business Sales, United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, hospitality sales roles (Marriott/Hyatt/Hilton), Equinox/Lifetime corporate sales, top‑performing auto sales professionals, and early‑career pharma/medical device programs. Beyond background, success in this role requires: Strong verbal communication and confidence on the phone
High callback rates driven by tone, professionalism, and follow‑through
A disciplined, organized, high‑accountability work style
Emotional intelligence and empathy for clients, candidates, and their decision‑making process
Confidence with humility and the ability to build trust quickly
A sense of humor and a grounded, people‑first approach
A desire to be part of something meaningful — not just “a job”
The presence and maturity to become a role model within the team
Required Skills
Proven B2B sales or agency recruiting experience
Strong phone and communication skills
Relationship‑building instincts
Self‑discipline and reliability
Emotional intelligence and professionalism
Preferred Skills
Experience with recruiting or executive search
Familiarity with HR, talent acquisition, or business networking events
Ability to learn quickly by shadowing senior leadership
Compensation
Base salary: $50,000 Performance bonuses available Work Environment
In‑office role in our Gold Coast location
Standard hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Occasional extended hours when business needs require it
High‑performance, supportive, and growth‑oriented environment
Direct mentorship and real‑time coaching from Crucial Hire’s Chief Talent Officer
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Crucial Hire, you are not another resume on a spreadsheet. You are someone we invest in — personally and professionally. Our standard is simple: hire people so strong and so grounded that we feel fortunate they chose us. How to Apply
Please submit your resume or LinkedIn profile to
zach@crucialhire.com . Candidates may also schedule a brief introductory conversation at:
https://calendly.com/crucialhire/15min If this opportunity feels aligned with your strengths and ambitions, we encourage you to apply. Click here to apply online
#J-18808-Ljbffr