AEC Business Development Manager

Salas O'Brien; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and company holidays

Wellness programs

Job summary

Salas O’Brien in Charlotte, NC is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead client engagement and growth initiatives. The ideal candidate will build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients while conducting market research to identify new business opportunities.

This role offers a competitive salary starting at $120K per year, with additional performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and professional development support.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of experience in the AEC industry preferred.
• Strong understanding of AEC industry terminology, processes, and market dynamics.
• Successful in tracking business development efforts and achieving measurable goals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage client contact and engagement programs.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective clients.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends and growth opportunities.
• Arrange meetings to uncover project needs.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Business development tracking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future. Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people‑first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high‑impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee‑owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges. We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high‑rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more. Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The Business Development Manager leads client engagement and growth initiatives by building and maintaining strong relationships with existing and prospective clients. This role is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, conducting market research and analysis, developing strategic partnerships, and representing the firm within industry, professional, and community organizations. The Business Development Manager collaborates with leadership to secure new projects, expand the firm’s market presence, and strengthen client relationships through proactive outreach, networking, and ongoing engagement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the firm’s client contact and engagement programs.
• Identify, initiate, and cultivate relationships with prospective clients; collaborate with leadership to secure new projects and partnerships.
• Represent the firm in interactions with clients, partner organizations, and industry professionals.
• Maintain strong visibility and involvement in professional, marketing, and community organizations.
• Proactively seek and pursue new business opportunities for the firm.
• Research and collect data on potential clients, markets, and projects.
• Conduct market analysis to identify emerging trends, client needs, and growth opportunities.
• Arrange and lead meetings with new and existing clients to uncover project needs and opportunities.
• Build and maintain a robust professional network within the industry.
• Actively participate in client and industry organizations to strengthen relationships and brand presence.
• Manage and monitor client satisfaction programs to ensure high service quality.
• Operate effectively within both short‑ and long‑term business development cycles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 4–7 years of experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry preferred.
• Without a degree, 6–10 years of relevant AEC experience required.
• Comprehensive understanding of AEC industry terminology, processes, and market dynamics.
• Professional presence and communication skills suitable for engaging with senior executives and stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Self‑motivated, diligent, and dedicated to producing high‑quality results.
• Persistent and consistent in follow‑through, with strong documentation and tracking habits.
• Demonstrated success in tracking business development efforts and achieving measurable goals.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role is $120K + USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. This role is also eligible for performance‑based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability‑related needs of applicants as required by law.