BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Location: Wood Dale, IL (On-site)

About OPTO

OPTO designs and manufactures retail fixtures for domestic and international markets. We are a design-led company driven by innovation, a passion for helping our clients succeed, and communication. Our team applies creative thinking across customer proposals, product development, and operations to deliver tailored retail solutions. The excitement, innovation, and passion from all of our team members allows us to curate the best solutions for any retail environment.

With in-house engineering and a responsive, collaborative culture, we adapt quickly to customer needs and provide industry-leading speed and reliability, earning long-term partnerships through performance and trust.

Job Summary

OPTO is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Business Development Coordinator to support our design-led sales and marketing teams. This role blends strategic outreach, market research, and internal coordination to help drive growth and expand our reach into targeted retail segments. From initial prospecting to tradeshow support, the Business Development Coordinator ensures our outreach efforts are timely, professional, and aligned with OPTO’s business goals.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building authentic relationships, and is energized by behind-the-scenes contributions that lead to visible results.

This position requires travel to attend industry events, such as conferences and tradeshows. Depending on prospects and project opportunities, travel for client visits may also be needed.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Prospecting

• Research and identify potential retail clients and A&D firms using platforms like ZoomInfo and LinkedIn
• Take ownership of specific retail segments previously researched by the team; maintain, update, and build upon these segment portfolios for ongoing growth
• Monitor capital projects across sectors such as collegiate, hospitality, stadiums, and live events
• Stay current on retail trends, competitive activity, and industry shifts to inform outreach strategies
• Track upcoming tradeshows, networking events, and speaking opportunities

Outreach & Lead Generation

• Focus primarily on warm outreach—including post-tradeshow follow-ups and marketing-generated leads
• Execute cold outreach (email, LinkedIn, mailers) as directed by your manager, based on industry trends and high-potential accounts
• Craft and deliver prospect communications in coordination with the Marketing team
• Support efforts to re-engage past clients and keep conversations active with warm leads
• Schedule and coordinate meetings, Lunch & Learns, and sales support materials

CRM & Data Management

• Maintain and update lead records in CRM platforms (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Segment and organize contact lists for targeted outreach
• Track inquiry activity and report on lead status to support team visibility and planning
• Maintain ownership over your portion of the CRM dataset—ensuring clean, current, and complete records
• Coordinate logistics for tradeshows and industry events—including shipments, schedules, and on-site materials
• Prepare outreach collateral, sample kits, and A&D library packages
• Assist with pre- and post-show communications and lead tracking
• Work closely with Marketing to ensure consistent messaging across touchpoints

Soft Skills & Traits

• Natural relationship-builder who connects easily with others while maintaining authenticity and professionalism
• Self-starter with a growth mindset and eagerness to learn about the retail industry and OPTO’s product offerings to engage confidently and knowledgeably with prospects and clients
• Curious and confident—comfortable asking questions, digging into details, and building product knowledge to support meaningful conversations
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management and follow-through
• Team player who collaborates effectively across departments to support shared goals
• Adaptable and resourceful—able to prioritize tasks, shift gears quickly, manage multiple conversations at once, and stay organized in a fast-paced, multitasking environment

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field preferred
• 2+ years of experience in business development, lead generation, or sales support
• Retail experience in any capacity (sales, operations, merchandising, design, etc.) is valuable; experience in fixture manufacturing is a plus
• Familiarity with CRM platforms such as Salesforce or HubSpot; ZoomInfo experience preferred
• Strong research, communication, and organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable adopting new digital tools

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with employer match, medical, dental, and vision insurance, AD&D and life insurance, and paid time off (PTO)
• Bonus Incentive program
• Casual office environment
• A diverse work experience where you can see projects come to life. Starting with the inception of projects in marketing and business development, through the concept and development with our design and engineering teams, all the way to fabrication and final delivery to our customers

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This position is based in an office environment. The role involves sitting and standing at a desk, frequent in-person and phone communication, and the regular use of standard office equipment, including phones and computers.

Accessibility Accommodation Statement:

OPTO is committed to providing qualified individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their jobs. If you (or another applicant you know) require assistance accessing or reading this job posting or need accommodations during the application process, please contact [email protected]. OPTO will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to the application process in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

OPTO is an equal opportunity employer. OPTO prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.