Account Development Representative

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Account Development Representative

🔹 Company: IFS

🔹 Location: Itasca, Illinois, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Sales

🔹 Date Posted: May 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level to 2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with a hybrid schedule

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Prospecting and developing cold accounts within specific industries
• Collaborating with sales representatives to set meetings and penetrate targeted accounts
• Differentiating IFS Enterprise Software technology and positioning its value to prospects
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong focus on outbound sales efforts, with a significant portion of the work involving cold calling and email outreach. Success in this role will depend on the candidate's ability to quickly understand IFS and its applications, as well as their persistence in engaging prospects.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Engage in conversations of value with prospects based on adequate research and knowledge of the prospect and IFS

✅ Utilize pre-call planning methods to qualify prospects and present why IFS is a viable solution

✅ Develop cold accounts through various efforts, providing value while aggressively targeting accounts within specific industries identified by IFS

✅ Differentiate IFS Enterprise Software technology for manufacturing in different sub-vertical industries in terms of value to targeted accounts

✅ Work alongside sales representatives to set meetings and penetrate targeted accounts

✅ Research prospect organizational charts, work through 'gatekeepers,' and gain access to relevant decision-makers

✅ Correctly position the functional advantages of IFS Enterprise Software Solution and customize messaging to gain traction into accounts

✅ Maintain accurate electronic records of calls and contacts and update prospect status within the contact management application

✅ Present internally the status of all outreach and set meetings

✅ Display strong presentation skills

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of communication skills, both written and verbal, with an emphasis on telephone skills. The candidate should be comfortable with outbound calling, email, and social media to engage prospects and qualify opportunities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: Proven software telemarketing, inside sales, or software sales experience

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on telephone skills
• Knowledge of contact management applications, Excel, and Word
• Self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision
• Able to quickly gain and demonstrate a high level of understanding of IFS and IFS Application benefits

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Familiarity with the manufacturing industry

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience with CRM software and familiarity with the manufacturing industry would be beneficial for this role. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, be results-driven, and possess excellent communication skills.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000.00 - $60,902.00 + Bonus

Benefits:

• Flexible paid time off, including sick and holiday
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K with company contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Tuition assistance
• Community involvement and volunteering events

Working Hours: Full-time, with a hybrid schedule (on-site in Itasca, IL office)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level to 2-year experience levels in the sales field. The benefits listed are typical for a company of IFS's size and industry.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Software Development, specifically enterprise software solutions for hardcore businesses

Company Size: Medium (5,001-10,000 employees), offering a growing, global environment with opportunities for professional development

Founded: 1983, with a history of promoting simplicity, trust, and responsibility in its work culture

Company Description:

• IFS is a billion-dollar revenue company with 7,000+ employees on all continents
• Delivers award-winning enterprise software solutions through the use of embedded digital innovation and a single cloud-based platform
• Focuses on helping businesses be their best at the 'Moment of Service' and fostering a better future through agility, collaboration, and trust

Company Specialties:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
• Business Software Solutions
• Enterprise Asset Management (EAM)
• Enterprise Project Management (EPM)
• Field Service Management (FSM)
• Supply Chain Management (SCM)
• Enterprise Service Management (ESM)

Company Website: ifs.com

ASSUMPTION: IFS is a well-established company in the enterprise software industry, with a strong focus on customer-centricity and agility. The company's size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to 2 years, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the sales department

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Sales Manager and works closely with the Sales Representatives

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a requirement to sit on-site in the Itasca, IL office

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a full-cycle sales role or a more senior sales position
• Expanding industry knowledge and expertise in enterprise software solutions
• Potential to work on international accounts and gain global experience

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the sales department, with opportunities to develop industry-specific knowledge and gain experience working with international accounts.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a requirement to sit on-site in the Itasca, IL office

Office Location(s): Itasca, Illinois, United States

Geographic Context:

• Itasca is a suburb of Chicago, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
• The office is conveniently located near major highways and public transportation
• The area offers a variety of dining, shopping, and recreational options

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid schedule (on-site in Itasca, IL office)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while ensuring that the candidate has the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues and clients in the office environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the Sales Manager and/or other team members
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to engage prospects
• Understanding of IFS and its applications
• Sales skills and ability to qualify opportunities
• Cultural fit and alignment with IFS's values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant sales experience and any experience with CRM software or the manufacturing industry
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your communication skills, self-motivation, and ability to work independently
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your sales experience and ability to handle objections

ATS Keywords: Account Development, Prospecting, Cold Calling, Sales, IFS, Enterprise Software, Manufacturing, Sub-vertical Industries, Pre-Call Planning, Gatekeepers, Decision-Makers, Presentation Skills

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's communication skills, sales experience, and cultural fit. The hiring manager will be looking for a self-motivated individual with a strong work ethic and the ability to quickly understand IFS and its applications.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Contact management applications
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word)

ASSUMPTION: The candidate should be comfortable using CRM software, contact management applications, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with additional sales tools and technologies may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Agility
• Customer-centricity
• Trust

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Results-driven
• Adaptable

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an emphasis on telephone skills?
• Are you a self-starter with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision?
• Can you quickly gain and demonstrate a high level of understanding of IFS and its applications?

ASSUMPTION: IFS values a collaborative, results-driven, and adaptable work style. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, be self-motivated, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. The ideal candidate will be able to quickly understand IFS and its applications and align with the company's values.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Handling rejection and maintaining a positive attitude in a cold calling environment
• Keeping up with the latest industry trends and product updates
• Managing time effectively between prospecting, follow-ups, and administrative tasks
• Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and balancing on-site and remote work

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to handling rejection, time management, and adapting to a hybrid work arrangement. The ideal candidate will possess strong resilience, time management skills, and the ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional sales roles, this position focuses primarily on prospecting and developing cold accounts, with less emphasis on closing deals
• This role requires a strong understanding of IFS and its applications, as well as the ability to differentiate its value proposition within specific sub-vertical industries
• Career progression in this role may lead to full-cycle sales positions or more senior sales roles within the company

ASSUMPTION: This role differs from traditional sales positions in its focus on prospecting and developing cold accounts. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, be self-motivated, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Career progression in this role may lead to full-cycle sales positions or more senior sales roles within the company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a cold calling script that effectively engages prospects and qualifies opportunities
• Creating a targeted email campaign to reach decision-makers within specific sub-vertical industries
• Researching and presenting on the competitive landscape within a specific sub-vertical industry

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects for this role may involve developing cold calling scripts, creating targeted email campaigns, and conducting competitive landscape research. The ideal candidate will possess strong research, communication, and presentation skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical sales cycle for this role and the average time it takes to close a deal?
• How does the company support the professional development of its sales team members?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the company measure the success of its sales team members, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support its employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

ASSUMPTION: Key questions to ask during the interview should focus on understanding the sales cycle, professional development opportunities, key priorities, performance metrics, and work-life balance. The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking information about the role and the company.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales experience, communication skills, and self-motivation
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your sales experience and ability to handle objections
• Research IFS and its applications to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its products
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.