Business Development Director, Dallas

Socket.dev; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

ICON is seeking a Director of Business Development in Dallas/Fort Worth to architect expansion by positioning our robotics-enabled construction technology as the premier solution for visionary developers and institutional capital. You will lead market intelligence, build an ecosystem of top developers and investors, and own deals from initial vision to contract.

You will manage the lifecycle with Pre-Construction and Project Management, advocate ROI and sustainability, and drive efficient,

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Business Development or Real Estate Development.
• Experience in Design-Build, GC, or real estate development essential.
• Deep knowledge of Dallas–Fort Worth real estate fundamentals.
• Bachelor’s degree; MBA or MRED preferred.
• Ability to discuss robotics, architecture, and advanced materials.
• Proficiency with AI tools to accelerate research and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead market intelligence and asset strategy for the Dallas region.
• Build an executive pipeline with developers, private equity, and top architects.
• Own the deal lifecycle from visioning sessions to signed contracts.
• Negotiate Design-Build agreements and complex terms.
• Collaborate with regulatory teams to navigate permits and approvals.
• Differentiate ICON against traditional GCs through strategic collaboration.

Skills

Business Development

Real Estate Development

Relationship Management

Deal Negotiation

Market Intelligence

Strategic Planning

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Business/Finance/Real Estate/Construction Management

MBA or MRED preferred

Tools

AI tools: Claude

AI tools: Gemini

Job description

ICON is redefining the built environment through robotics, software, and advanced materials. We are seeking a Director of Business Development to architect our expansion across Dallas-Fort Worth. This role is ideal for a strategic operator who understands that we are not just bidding on jobs-we are shifting the paradigm of how the world builds. You will serve as the primary market strategist, positioning ICON’s proprietary technology as the premier solution for visionary developers and institutional capital, early in project idea development. This role is located in Dallas/Ft.Worth and will report to the Vice President, Real Estate and Sales.

Key Responsibilities

1. Market Intelligence & Asset Strategy

• Strategic Positioning: Identify and penetrate market segments (e.g., suburban housing, strategic infill, retail, mixed-use, and small commercial) that specifically benefit from ICON’s robotic speed, design freedom and material durability.
• The "Capture" Gatekeeper: Lead the regional "Go/No-Go" process. You will vet opportunities against ICON’s technical capabilities and Minimum Viable Project criteria.

2. Executive Pipeline & Relationship Management

• C-Suite Networking: Cultivate a deep ecosystem of first-movers, including top tier developers, private equity investors, and world-class architects/engineers who prioritize innovation over the status quo.
• Full Lifecycle Ownership: Own the deal from initial visioning sessions through to a signed contract. You are responsible for the seamless transition of high-value accounts to the Pre-Construction and Project Management teams.
• Consultative Leadership: Act as a subject matter expert on ICON’s robotics systems, educating stakeholders on the long-term ROI, sustainability, and de‑risking benefits of automated construction.

3. Deal Structuring & Project Feasibility

• Development Literacy: Conduct high-level financial and technical feasibility assessments. You must be able to "speak developer," understanding pro-formas, construction costs metrics, and how ICON’s speed-to-market impacts project returns.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead the negotiation of complex Design-Build agreements, ensuring terms align with ICON’s requirements.

4. Regulatory Diplomacy & Brand Stewardship

• Market Pioneering: Partner with ICON’s regulatory teams and local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to navigate permitting hurdles, acting as a diplomat for robotic construction in new municipalities.
• Strategic Positioning: Collaborate with Marketing to differentiate ICON against traditional GCs, highlighting our ability to deliver architecturally complex, resilient structures that traditional methods cannot replicate.

Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years of high-performance experience in Business Development or Real Estate Development. A proven track record in a Design-Build, General Contractor or real estate developer environment is essential.
• Industry Acumen: Deep understanding of the Dallas-Fort Worth real estate fundamentals, including land use, regional construction costs, and the North Texas developer landscape.
• Technical Literacy: Ability to navigate technical discussions regarding robotics, architecture, and advanced material science without a translator.
• The Network: A "Day One" rolodex of local developers, investors, and architectural influencers in the Dallas-Fort Worth corridor.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Finance, Real Estate, Construction Management or related. An MBA or MRED is preferred.
• AI Proficiency: Proficient in leveraging AI tools (Claude, Gemini) to accelerate research, drafting, and analysis - with a demonstrated ability to automate workflows and drive efficiency in a fast-paced deal environment.

ICON is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an innovative, inclusive, diverse and discrimination-free work environment. Employment with ICON is based on merit, competence, and qualifications. It is our policy to administer all personnel actions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Consistent with the obligations of these laws, ICON will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Furthermore, as a federal government contractor, the Company maintains an affirmative action program which furthers its commitment and complies with recordkeeping and reporting requirements under certain federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (as amended).