Business Development Lead - USA

bairdcareers; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Baird is looking for a Business Development Lead in New York, an opportunity to drive business in coastal and marine engineering. The role involves identifying and pursuing new business opportunities while ensuring technical delivery of projects.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience in engineering consulting with a strong focus on the coastal and marine sectors. This position emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and the potential for future ownership in the company.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in engineering consulting focused on coastal and marine environments.
• Experience with Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build delivery methods.
• Ability to lead complex projects and manage shifting scopes.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development efforts in coastal and marine engineering.
• Build long-term relationships with public and private clients.
• Support and mentor junior staff on technical development.

Skills

Business development

Project management

Effective communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (M.S. or M. Eng preferred)

Job description

You Belong at Baird

At W.F. Baird, you’re never just a number, you’re part of a global team that values your voice, ideas, and growth. For 40+ years, we have combined the stability of an established and trusted firm with the creativity of a niche engineering company, working where water meets land to design and deliver solutions that protect coastlines, strengthen ports, restore ecosystems, and more. With offices across North America, the Caribbean, South America, and Australia, we offer global impact with a welcoming, people first culture. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, room to grow, and the chance to make waves alongside other talented people who share your passion.

The Opportunity

Baird has an opportunity for a Business Development Lead with a background in engineering consulting and demonstrated business development experience in the coastal and marine environment across the State, Local, and Private sectors, including Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build delivery methods. In this seller-doer role, you will be actively involved in the technical delivery of projects while leading the identification, pursuit, and development of new business opportunities. This position offers flexibility and growth potential for individuals who value a collaborative work environment and are interested in driving business development for complex ocean, lake, and river projects. Baird also offers the potential for future ownership in the company—a long-term opportunity to help shape its future and share in its success.

What You Will Do

• Lead business development efforts by identifying, pursuing, and supporting new opportunities in coastal, marine, and water resources engineering.
• Partner with public and private clients to deliver thoughtful, high‑quality coastal engineering solutions and build long‑term relationships grounded in trust, collaboration, and results.
• Support and mentor junior staff, contributing to technical development and knowledge‑sharing across coastal and marine project teams.
• Contribute to the growth of Baird’s capabilities and market presence regionally and nationally in coastal and marine structures, ports and navigation engineering, coastal risk and resilience analysis, hydrology and hydraulics, metocean analysis, and construction management.
• Actively stay informed on market trends, client needs, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to help position Baird as a leader in coastal engineering innovation.
• Represent Baird at industry events, conferences, and client meetings, supporting business planning efforts and alignment with organizational priorities.

What You Will Bring

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering (M.S. or M. Eng preferred) in civil, ocean, coastal, or related area of experience applicable to engineering consulting from an accredited institution.
• Over 10 years of relevant experience, bringing a comprehensive business development background in engineering consulting focused in State, Local, and Private sectors.
• A proven track record of pursuing and securing projects, along with demonstrated project management skills—able to lead complex efforts, meet deadlines, and adjust to shifting scopes.
• Experience in engineering consulting and construction fields specific to where water meets land projects, with a genuine enthusiasm for marine and coastal engineering.
• Effective communication skills in English, both verbally and in writing, thriving in collaborative, multi‑disciplinary teams under tight deadlines.
• A valid passport and willingness to travel 1–2 weeks every other month, both domestically and internationally.

This opportunity is not limited to the New York City Metro area. All qualified applicants will be considered, preferably on the East Coast.

W.F. Baird & Associates (Baird) is committed to providing an inclusive work environment for all and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work) and will not be discriminated against based on such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where Baird operates.

Please note applicants must be legally entitled to work in the country they are applying to, now and in the future, without requiring employer sponsorship to be considered.

We are committed to an inclusive, accessible recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.