Business Development Lead

Southland Industries; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health insurance

Annual bonus program

Life insurance

Disability protection

Pre-tax FSAs

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays & vacation

Professional development

Job summary

Southland Industries seeks a Business Development Lead to forge owner relationships in the Houston market and steer strategic growth across divisions. You will engage owners to understand challenges and present solutions from our MEP design-build capabilities.

The role demands leadership, deep industry knowledge, and a track record of turning connections into opportunities while traveling locally as needed.

Qualifications

• Develop owner relationships in target markets and identify opportunities
• Lead and coach teams to win in design-build/IPD projects
• Translate market trends into actionable business plans

Responsibilities

• Develop Strategic Owner Relationships: build opportunities aligning with division goals
• Drive Market Expansion: grow existing verticals and identify underserved markets
• Influence Divisional Strategy: advise leadership on market trends and needs
• Represent Our Brand: client meetings, industry events, and community functions

Skills

Owner relationships

Market development

Leadership

Communication

RFP/Preconstruction

Strategic planning

Presentation skills

Contractual knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Primavera Scheduling

Job description

Position Summary

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Do you thrive on pursuing new opportunities, building relationships, and driving business growth? If so, this is your chance to join an innovative design-build MEP specialty contractor as our next Business Development Lead. You will be at the forefront of developing owner-level business relationships in key markets while expanding current verticals and exploring potential or underserved areas. Be part of an amazing company where you can make a lasting impact!

Position Details

• Develop Strategic Owner Relationships: Leverage your expertise in the Houston market's mechanical construction industry to cultivate opportunities that align with the division's strategic goals.


• Drive Market Expansion: Strengthen existing market verticals while actively identifying and developing opportunities in underserved or emerging markets. Engage with owners to understand their business challenges and how our solutions can address them.


• Influence Divisional Strategy: Collaborate with divisional leadership to shape and execute business development and sales strategies. Contribute to the division's success by providing insights into market trends and customer needs.


• Represent Our Brand: Be a key ambassador for the company at client meetings, industry events, and community functions. Ensure that our values and expertise are showcased across various platforms

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Construction Management.


• Minimum 15 years of commercial construction industry experience working at a consulting engineering, engineering/architectural, or design/build company.


• Coaching and Leadership: Strong coaching and leadership skills to mentor teams and influence outcomes.


• Multi-tasking and Prioritization: Excellent ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.


• Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for presentations, negotiations, and client interactions.


• Influencing and Decision-Making: Skilled at influencing stakeholders, negotiating deals, and making decisions that drive business growth.


• Project Delivery Knowledge: Strong understanding of Design Build and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) methods.


• Presentation Skills: Confident and skilled in presenting ideas, solutions, and proposals to stakeholders.


• Code and Standard Knowledge: Deep understanding of local building codes, ASHRAE standards, and OSHPD requirements.


• RFP Expertise: Expertise in executing successful RFQ/RFP and Preconstruction submissions.


• Preferred Market Experience: Experience in Commercial, Institutional, Educational, and Healthcare market segments.


• Technical Software Experience: Microsoft Office, Primavera Scheduling.


• Sustainability and Design: Knowledge of central plant design and optimization, energy modeling techniques, and sustainable design methodologies.


• Proven Track Record: You've successfully developed long‑term relationships with owners in the industry, turning connections into business opportunities.


• Strategic Mindset: You are not just a responder-you have the vision to shape and develop markets through proactive engagement.


• Entrepreneurial Drive: You have the initiative and motivation to seek out, build, and nurture business relationships while always looking ahead to future opportunities.


• Commitment to Career Growth: We're looking for someone seeking a long‑term career, not just a job. We'll invest in you if you're ready to invest in us.


• Industry Connections: You have a strong network of key players in the Houston market and know how to leverage those connections to drive business.


• Technical Expertise: A solid understanding of the MEP construction industry with a drive to win in a competitive market.


• Travel: Some local travel is required

Benefits

As a 100% employee‑owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting


• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)


• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability


• Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance


• Disability income protection insurance


• Pre‑tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)


• Paid parental leave


• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time


• Training/professional development opportunities and company‑paid memberships for professional associations and licenses


• Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation's largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation.