The Director of Business Development is a target-focused leader responsible for driving strategic growth across Vanir’s core markets. This role leads the identification, development, and execution of business opportunities while aligning Regional/Area efforts with Corporate Business Development and Marketing leadership. The Director of Business Development serves as a key company representative, building client relationships, overseeing pursuits, and ensuring coordination to achieve regional and firm-wide goals.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead, coordinate, and execute business development strategies from opportunity identification through project award
- Align Regional/Area initiatives with Corporate Director and Deputy Director of Business Development & Marketing to achieve company-wide goals
- Support Regional/Area Managers in developing:
- 5-year business and strategic plans
- Annual fiscal year plans
- Market segment strategies and opportunity pipelines
- Collaborate on Go/No-Go decisions, pursuit strategies, and team composition (including joint ventures and subconsultants)
- Assist in establishing and achieving sales objectives aligned with firm-wide goals
- Provide input to Executive Directors and market segment leaders on pursuit priorities
Client Relations & Business Development
- Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities; initiate and maintain client relationships
- Develop and manage prospect and “hit lists,” including long-term opportunity tracking
- Represent Vanir at industry events, conferences, and client engagements
- Maintain and expand relationships with current, former, and prospective clients
- Identify and coordinate teaming opportunities and strategic partnerships
- Lead proposal and interview preparation efforts, including coaching and debriefings
- Communicate regularly with clients and stakeholders regarding opportunity status and progress
Marketing (Pre-RFP)
- Manage and oversee Regional/Area marketing activities in coordination with Corporate leadership
- Develop and implement marketing strategies to enhance Vanir’s brand and market presence
- Screen and distribute project leads from various sources (e.g., IMS, CIN, market research, referrals)
- Maintain CRM databases for clients, consultants, contractors, and competitors
- Coordinate marketing materials, targeted campaigns, press releases, and corporate communications
- Support development of brochures, fact sheets, project write-ups, and web/intranet content
- Organize and support events such as seminars, trade shows, open houses, and client outreach initiatives
- Promote Vanir through advertising, publications, and speaking engagements
Business Development (Post-RFP)
- Lead and direct proposal development from inception through submission
- Collaborate with technical teams to develop scopes of work, fee proposals, and cost estimates
- Prepare resumes, project descriptions, and supporting documentation for proposals
- Coordinate reference collection and maintain employee experience databases
- Lead interview strategy, preparation, and presentation coaching
- Participate in post-interview debriefs and continuous improvement efforts
Operations & Coordination
- Serve as the communication link between Regional/Area offices and Corporate Business Development & Marketing
- Facilitate internal communication and collaboration across management and technical teams
- Visit Area offices and participate in Regional/Area meetings as needed
- Coordinate use of marketing resources and equipment
- Ensure alignment of marketing efforts with company capabilities and client service goals
- Promote and adhere to company safety policies and a collaborative safety culture
Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise, coach, and develop business development and marketing staff
- Provide direction to Regional/Area and Corporate support staff as assigned
- Train staff on business development, marketing processes, and presentation techniques
- Support recruitment and hiring efforts as needed
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, Construction Management, or a related field (MBA preferred)
- 8–10+ years of relevant experience, including experience in the A/E/C industry
- Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) certification is a plus
Knowledge of:
- Construction management industry and regional market dynamics
- Strategic planning, marketing, public relations (pre-RFP), and business development (post-RFP)
- RFP/RFQ processes, proposal development, and interview preparation
- Construction cost estimating, budgeting, and scheduling principles
- Company operations, policies, and service capabilities
Ability to:
- Build relationships and work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Communicate clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing
- Manage multiple priorities and balance short-term deadlines with long-term goals
- Demonstrate initiative, persistence, professionalism, and sound judgment
- Develop and execute innovative marketing and business development strategies
- Work independently with minimal supervision
- Lead, mentor, and supervise team members effectively
Benefits
Vanir offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that includes 401(k) Savings with employer matching contributions, medical, dental, vision, health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions, life, AD&D and disability benefits, flexible spending account (FSA), voluntary benefits, Teladoc, pet insurance, paid time off, national employee assistance program (EAP) and employee referral program.