Business Development Manager

Aquent is partnering with a leading organization in the commercial and industrial construction sector, renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation. This company is dedicated to delivering high-quality, complex projects across diverse industries, fostering a culture of collaboration, strategic thinking, and client success. Join a team that values expertise and empowers its members to shape the future of construction.

**Lead Strategic Growth as a Business Development Leader!**

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for driving growth and forging impactful relationships in the construction industry? We are seeking a dynamic Business Development Leader to spearhead strategic client acquisition and market expansion. In this pivotal role, you will not only lead a talented team of three but also directly influence the company's trajectory by identifying and securing groundbreaking opportunities in advanced manufacturing, industrial facilities, and complex commercial projects. Your expertise will be crucial in translating market insights into actionable strategies, positioning the company as a trusted solutions partner, and embodying a consultative approach that truly makes a difference for clients. This is your chance to leave a significant mark, build lasting partnerships, and contribute to the construction of critical infrastructure that powers our economy.

**What You'll Do:**

* **Strategic Business Development:**

* Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies and business development initiatives aligned with company objectives and regional growth targets.

* Identify, pursue, and secure new commercial and industrial construction opportunities, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, data centers, distribution facilities, and complex industrial projects.

* Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with existing and prospective clients, including developers, manufacturers, industrial owners, architects, engineers, and key decision-makers.

* Lead the preparation and presentation of compelling proposals, qualifications, and competitive responses for targeted projects and clients.

* **Market Intelligence & Opportunity Development:**

* Conduct proactive market research and competitive intelligence to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and threats in commercial and industrial construction markets.

* Explore new market segments and geographical territories, particularly in advanced manufacturing and industrial sectors.

* Develop a deep understanding of client pain points and project challenges to position the company as a trusted solutions partner.

* Monitor industry developments, regulatory changes, and technology trends affecting industrial construction.

* **Collaboration & Execution:**

* Partner effectively with preconstruction, project management, and field operations teams to develop competitive and executable project approaches.

* Support client interviews, presentations, and relationship-building activities throughout the entire sales cycle.

* Coordinate with marketing teams to develop client-specific materials, case studies, and thought leadership content.

* Collaborate with executive leadership to develop strategic account management plans for key clients and emerging market sectors.

* **Performance Management & Development:**

* Maintain accurate pipeline tracking, reporting, and analysis using company CRM systems and advanced analytics.

* Monitor and report on business development KPIs, including pipeline activity, win rates, revenue forecasts, and market penetration.

* Participate actively in industry events, trade shows, and professional organizations to enhance market presence.

* Mentor junior business development staff and share best practices in consultative selling and relationship management.

**What You'll Bring:**

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, marketing, or a related field.

* 5-7 years of progressive experience in construction business development, sales, or client-facing roles.

* Proven track record of successfully identifying, pursuing, and winning new business in the construction industry.

* At least 3 years of experience managing direct reports on a sales team, demonstrating the ability to mentor and develop junior talent.

* Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex construction concepts and value propositions to diverse technical and executive audiences.

* Strategic relationship management skills, with a proven ability to establish trust and credibility with C-level executives, project managers, and technical stakeholders.

* Goal-oriented competitive mindset, with a demonstrated track record of achieving and exceeding business development targets through strategic thinking.

* Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities to identify market opportunities, analyze competitive landscapes, and develop actionable business plans.

* Project and time management excellence, capable of managing multiple complex opportunities and priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

* Advanced ability to read, comprehend, and create detailed technical documents, contracts, specifications, and client correspondence.

* Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 suite, CRM systems, project management and collaboration tools, virtual meeting platforms, and proposal development software.

* Strong financial analysis skills for project budgets, pricing strategies, and market metrics, and the ability to interpret complex technical data into business opportunities.

* Advanced problem-solving skills to navigate complex business situations, interpret technical documents and specifications, and develop creative solutions for challenging project requirements.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**

* A natural curiosity and market exploration mindset, enjoying the discovery of untapped opportunities, emerging markets, and innovative project types.

* An entrepreneurial spirit, comfortable with ambiguity and excited by the challenge of breaking into new sectors or geographical markets.

* High emotional intelligence, able to read people and situations well, and adapt communication style to different stakeholders and decision-makers.

* A consultative selling orientation, prioritizing understanding client needs over traditional sales tactics and building trust through expertise and genuine problem-solving.

* An authentic relationship builder who creates lasting professional relationships based on mutual respect and value creation.

* An outgoing and engaging personality, comfortable initiating conversations, networking, and representing the company in various professional settings.

* Relentless follow-through, consistently delivering on commitments, maintaining organized systems, and seeing opportunities through to completion.

* Resilience and persistence, maintaining a positive attitude through rejection and setbacks, and viewing challenges as learning opportunities.

* A collaborative mindset, working effectively across departments and functions to achieve shared objectives.

**About Skill:**

Skill connects the best professional, IT, engineering, financial and administrative talent with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to benefits such as health benefit contributions, retirement plans with match and flexible spending accounts.

Skill is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.