The Senior Director of Business Development will manage sales plans, engage with tier 1 clients, lead proposal development, and collaborate with partners to achieve growth targets.
ABOUT APPLY
APPLY is the Agentic Customer Experience (ACx) partner for the world's most ambitious consumer and entertainment brands. We bring together deep domain expertise across Retail, CPG, Sports, and Media with AI-native delivery capability, designing and delivering agentic solutions that turn CX vision into commercial reality. We are the partner of choice for brands like Arc'teryx, NFL, Lululemon, and Kraft Heinz. For more information, visit applydigital.com.
LOCATION: APPLY is hybrid/remote friendly. The preferred candidate should be based in either Canada or the United States, working in hours that align to ET (Eastern Timezone).
THE ROLE:
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage and evolve a territory sales plan, including key targets and stakeholders.
- Perform outreach to tier 1 prospects and decision-makers.
- Collaborate closely with the sales reps from our Alliance partners, building strong relationships to devise winning strategies.
- Qualify new opportunities along with the sales support team.
- Lead internal pursuit team on proposal development and pitch presentations.
- Work closely with our Client Partners to close deals and negotiate business terms.
- Build awareness and generate own leads.
- Support marketing & events strategy to optimize lead generation.
- Follow up on APPLY marketing campaigns and inbound leads.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 5+ years of experience acquiring new clients for a digital consultancy or professional services firm, backed by an extensive network and a proven ability to sell and consult at a senior level.
- A proven hunter with a track record of consistently meeting and exceeding revenue targets.
- Comfortable working knowledge of AI tools and agentic workflows, enough to speak credibly with clients and collaborate effectively with delivery teams.
- Prior experience closing $1M+ services contracts in the following industries: Consumer Goods, Retail, Media/Entertainment.
- A strategic relationship builder and great listener who can quickly develop trust and build rapport.
- An entrepreneurial, collaborative, and adept negotiator.
- A self-sufficient individual contributor who is hands-on by nature, taking full ownership and accountability across every aspect of business development.
- Solid interpersonal skills – you’re comfortable working alongside technical directors, salespeople, designers, and CEOs alike.
- A natural storyteller with the ability to take clients on a journey.
- Experience co-selling within the Google ecosystem, including familiarity with GCP partnerships and joint go-to-market motions, is a strong asset.
LIFE AT APPLY
People are at the core of everything we do at APPLY. We provide you with modern tools, systems and approaches, value your time, safety, and health, and strive to build a work community where you can thrive and grow. Here are a few benefits we offer to support you:
Agentic Delivery: Our people work in a modern way to deliver client outcomes. Broaden your skills on a range of engagements with international brands that have a global impact.
An inclusive and safe environment: We’re truly committed to building a culture where you are celebrated and everyone feels welcome and safe.
AI & Strategic Upskilling: Accelerate your professional growth with generous training budgets and mentorship, with a specific focus on Agentic AI expertise and the critical human skills required for the future of work.
Generous vacation policy: Work-life balance is key to our team’s success, so we offer flexible personal time off (PTO); allowing ample time away from work to promote overall well-being.
Customizable benefits: Tailor your extended health and dental plan to your needs, priorities, and preferences.
Flexible work arrangements: We work in a variety of ways, from remote, to in-office, to a blend of both.
APPLY is a safe, respectful, and inclusive community where differences are celebrated. We are committed to equal opportunity and fostering a workplace where everyone belongs. Learn more in our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) section. For recruitment accommodations, please email [email protected].
Similar Jobs
Logistics • Transportation • Industrial
Lead global business development efforts for federal and commercial markets: identify leads, design capture strategies, develop client relationships, support proposal preparation/pricing, represent the company at conferences, and coordinate post-award implementation. Act as SME on federal procurement and competitive positioning, drive pipeline planning, mentor teams, and ensure alignment between capture activities and operational delivery. Frequent travel and adherence to background screening required.
Gaming • Software
The Business Development Director will source and close new business, manage existing accounts, and implement growth strategies while maintaining client relationships and managing contracts in the gaming industry.
Financial Services
The Director of Growth will build relationships and source sales opportunities with banks, credit unions, and fintech leaders through strategic outreach campaigns and events.
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
