Sales Development Representative

Sterling Labs - Des Plaines, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Des Plaines, IL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Sales Development Representative (SDR) at Sterling Labs plays a crucial role in the company's growth and success. This newly established position is designed for individuals who are highly motivated and eager to develop their skills in a collaborative environment. The SDR will utilize exceptional communication skills to identify, contact, and qualify potential customers, thereby contributing significantly to customer acquisition, retention, and expansion efforts. The role is based in Des Plaines, IL, with a hybrid work model of four days in the office and one day remote, allowing for flexibility while maintaining a strong team presence. In this position, the SDR will be responsible for conducting ongoing research to identify prospective clients through various channels, including social media, industry events, and online databases. This proactive approach will help generate a robust sales pipeline. The SDR will also engage in high-volume outreach through cold calls, emails, and other methods to nurture leads and maintain interest in Sterling Labs' services. A key aspect of the role involves qualifying leads by uncovering the needs and interests of potential customers, determining their potential as sales qualified leads (SQLs). The SDR will work closely with the CEO and executive team to set appointments with qualified leads and assist in closing deals. This includes tracking communications, managing contracts, and ensuring all documentation is in order. Collaboration with the customer success team is essential to develop strategies for expanding existing client work and ensuring customer retention. Additionally, the SDR will be tasked with structuring and maintaining the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, ensuring accurate recording and reporting of lead information to optimize the sales funnel. Continuous improvement is a core value at Sterling Labs, and the SDR will be expected to identify the most efficient communication approaches for converting leads into customers. Staying informed about industry trends, market developments, and competitor activities will also be crucial for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Identify potential customers through research and various channels.
• Nurture leads via cold calls, emails, and other outreach methods.
• Qualify leads to determine their potential as sales qualified leads (SQLs).
• Schedule meetings for the CEO and executive team with qualified leads.
• Assist with closing deals by tracking communications and managing documentation.
• Collaborate with the customer success team to develop strategies for client retention.
• Structure and maintain the CRM system for accurate lead management.
• Continuously improve outreach and qualification processes.
• Stay informed about industry trends and competitor activities.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of B2B sales experience or related coursework.
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) required.
• Self-starter with strong time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage in a high volume of daily calls and emails.
• Strong relationship-building skills with potential clients.
• Detail-oriented with organizational skills.
• Experience with sales CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Air Table or similar CRM tools.
• Familiarity with the environmental testing industry.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with a clear commission structure.
• Hybrid work model (4 days in office, 1 day remote).
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.