Director, Business Development

Job Location: Multiple Locations - Rockford, IL 61107
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $175,000.00 - $245,000.00 Salary/year
Savant is seeking a Director of Business Development to lead and scale our business development function, with direct leadership of our Business Development Officer (BDO) team and ownership of the firm's referral partner channel. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who excels at building structure, driving accountability, coaching top talent, and delivering measurable growth results. As Director of Business Development, you will play a critical role in advancing Savant's growth strategy. You'll lead an experienced team of Business Development Officers, strengthen and expand strategic referral partnerships, and establish the operating disciplines needed to support consistent organic growth across markets.
This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys both strategy and execution—someone who can set a vision, develop people, leverage data to drive decisions, and create a culture of performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What You'll Do

Lead Business Development Strategy

Develop and execute a firm-wide business development strategy aligned with growth objectives.
Identify and prioritize key growth channels, geographies, and referral opportunities.
Establish scalable processes, performance standards, and operating rhythms that drive results.
Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team

Coach, mentor, and develop a team of Business Development Officers across multiple markets.
Create clear expectations, accountability, and performance metrics.
Foster a culture that balances collaboration, healthy competition, and continuous development.
Expand Strategic Partnerships

Lead and grow referral relationships across custodians, strategic partners, and emerging platforms.
Strengthen existing partner programs while identifying new opportunities for growth.
Ensure partnerships are effectively managed, compliant, and aligned with the Savant brand.
Drive Pipeline Performance

Create visibility into pipeline activity, lead flow, and conversion metrics.
Monitor team performance and identify opportunities to improve effectiveness.
Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure strong lead management and follow-through.
Collaborate Across the Firm

Partner closely with Marketing, Advisory leadership, and M&A teams to align growth initiatives.
Support the successful integration of new firms into Savant's business development ecosystem.
Help create a seamless experience from prospect introduction through advisor engagement.
What Success Looks Like

A highly engaged, accountable, and high-performing Business Development team.
Consistent achievement and growth of business development goals.
Strong visibility into pipeline activity and business performance.
Improved lead conversion rates and increased business development effectiveness.
Expanded and scalable referral partner programs.
A collaborative culture where team members are aligned around shared goals and outcomes.
Qualifications

10+ years of business development or sales leadership experience, preferably within wealth management, financial services, or professional services.
Proven success leading business development or sales teams within a referral-driven environment.
Experience working with custodial referral programs such as Schwab, Fidelity, or similar partner ecosystems.
Experience supporting growth across multiple markets or a national organization.
Strong coaching and leadership skills, particularly with experienced, independent professionals.
A data-driven mindset with experience using metrics and analytics to drive performance.
Executive presence and the ability to build credibility with senior leaders, advisors, and strategic partners.
The ability to bring structure, clarity, and focus to evolving environments.
Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, or a related field.
Advanced degree preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Why Join Savant?

At Savant, you'll have the opportunity to shape a critical growth function within a nationally recognized wealth management firm. You'll work alongside talented leaders, influence firm-wide growth strategy, and help build the next chapter of our business development organization. Our culture is grounded in collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. We are committed to helping our team members grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the firm and the clients we serve.
Our Total Rewards

Core Benefits (Effective Day One)

Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options.
Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, and disability coverage.
Financial & Long-Term Rewards

401(k) with company match (Roth and Traditional options).
Team-based incentive opportunities and recognition programs.
Time Away & Flexibility

Generous paid time off, plus at least 10 paid holidays.
Annual “Savantiversary” day.
Summer Hours (shorter work weeks during the summer).
Parental leave, personal leave, and other life-event support.
Well-Being & Everyday Perks

Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Wellness reimbursements (e.g., gym memberships).
Flexible “Dress for Your Day” approach.
We’re happy to share more details about our benefits and total rewards during the hiring process.
Take your career to new heights, apply today!
All applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the incumbent in this position. Any combination of equivalent education and work experience will be considered.
Savant Capital LLC, is an Equal Opportunity Employer

#J-18808-Ljbffr