Business Development Leader
Shape Growth. Build Partnerships. Lead with Impact.
A well‑established, employee‑focused design and engineering consultancy is seeking a Business Development Leader to help drive strategic growth in the Madison, Wisconsin market. This role is ideal for a highly connected professional who enjoys working at the intersection of client relationships, market strategy, and technical excellence.
You'll play a visible role in expanding the firm's presence across higher education, healthcare, corporate, mixed‑use, and industrial sectors, while collaborating closely with technical and project leadership teams. This is a hands‑on leadership position for someone who thrives on influence, credibility, and long‑term relationship building within the AEC ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
Drive Strategic Growth
- Develop and execute business development plans aligned with regional and firmwide goals
- Identify, pursue, and secure new opportunities while expanding existing client relationships
- Represent the firm externally through networking, presentations, and industry engagement
Build Strong Client Partnerships
- Act as a trusted advisor to architectural, institutional, and public‑sector clients
- Lead pursuit strategy, proposals, and interviews with confidence and professionalism
- Negotiate scopes, fees, and contracts in collaboration with leadership
Stay Connected to Delivery
- Remain engaged in project execution to maintain technical credibility and market insight
- Support project teams with strategic input and financial awareness
- Balance leadership responsibilities with targeted billable work, as appropriate
Lead Through Collaboration
- Partner with multi‑disciplinary teams across engineering, planning, and design
- Share market intelligence, mentor others, and contribute to a positive, growth‑oriented culture
- Adapt to shifting priorities while maintaining focus on long‑term objectives
Qualifications & Experience
You may be a great fit if you bring:
- A Bachelor's degree in engineering, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a related discipline
- 8+ years of experience in business development, market leadership, or technical client management within AEC
- A proven track record selling professional services to architectural, institutional, and/or municipal clients in Wisconsin
- Demonstrated success in:
- Strategic business planning
- Client development and relationship management
- Proposal development and formal presentations
- Existing relationships with architectural partners (strongly preferred)
- Prior technical project or program management experience
- Professional licensure such as PE, AICP, or PLA
- Evidenced leadership, whether through formal roles or market influence
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This firm is known for combining technical quality with a people‑first culture. You'll join a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth, community involvement, and long‑term career development.
Benefits typically include:
- Structured training, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities
- Flexible work options, including hybrid scheduling
- A highly collaborative, inclusive team culture
- Active support for professional and community engagement
- Modern office environment with on‑site amenities and convenient parking
- Competitive paid time off and family‑friendly policies
- Comprehensive health and wellness coverage
- Disability and life insurance offerings
- Retirement and long‑term savings programs
- Tuition reimbursement for continued learning
- Relaxed, professional dress environment
Take the Next Step
If you're motivated by growth, relationships, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the built environment, this role offers both influence and longevity. Confidential conversations are welcome.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with resume and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.