Business Development Manager

Forms+Surfaces Inc; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Forms+Surfaces Inc. seeks a Business Development Manager to lead growth across the San Francisco region, focused on Site & Outdoor product systems.

This role is market-facing, influencing projects early and carrying opportunities from concept to realization. You will work at the intersection of design, construction, and manufacturing, building relationships with designers, owners, and contractors while shaping specifications and guiding projects through a complex procurement path in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Ability to understand and communicate technical, design-driven solutions.
• Experience working within the A&D and construction ecosystem.
• Strong instincts around guiding projects from concept to completion.

Responsibilities

• Build and influence relationships with landscape architects, architects, owners, and contractors.
• Position solutions early in the design process to shape specifications.
• Navigate projects through bidding, value engineering, and execution.
• Partner internally with engineering, manufacturing, and project teams to ensure delivery.
• Develop a deep understanding of regional market dynamics and identify strategic opportunities.

Skills

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Forms+Surfaces designs and manufactures products that shape the built environment at scale. From major transportation hubs to civic spaces and campuses, our work lives where performance, durability, and design matter most.

Our approach is guided by a core principle: Sustainability through Longevity. We believe the most sustainable solutions are those that endure both physically and aesthetically, remaining relevant and performing over time.

We are seeking a Business Development Manager to lead growth across the San Francisco region, focused on our Site & Outdoor product systems.

This is not a traditional sales role. It is a market‑facing position responsible for influencing projects early, navigating complexity, and carrying opportunities from concept through realization.

The Role

You will operate at the intersection of design, construction, and manufacturing.

• Build and influence relationships with landscape architects, architects, owners, and contractors
• Position Forms+Surfaces solutions early in the design process to shape specifications
• Navigate projects through bidding, value engineering, and execution
• Partner internally with engineering, manufacturing, and project teams to ensure successful delivery
• Develop a deep understanding of regional market dynamics and identify strategic opportunities

What You Bring

We are less focused on a specific background and more interested in how you think and operate.

You may come from:

• Architectural or landscape design
• Construction or project management
• Architectural product or systems sales

What matters most:

• Ability to understand and communicate technical, design‑driven solutions
• Experience working within the A&D and construction ecosystem
• Strong instincts around how projects move from concept to completion
• Capability to build trust and long‑term relationships across multiple stakeholders
• Comfort operating in a fast‑paced, self‑directed environment

Regional Project Experience

Our work is embedded throughout the San Francisco market, shaping environments across workplace, civic, academic, and mixed‑use developments. The Business Development Manager will build upon an established regional presence while expanding influence across future opportunities.

Representative projects include:

Exploratorium – Piers 15 & 17 – San Francisco, CA

The Exploratorium is a hands‑on museum of science, art and human perception. Located on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, the facility’s observation deck invites visitors to enjoy the waterfront Piers. Prominent throughout the setting, our Knight Benches offer welcome respite for anyone wishing to relax, recharge, and take in the spectacular views.

BART, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station – Walnut Creek, CA

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)’s Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station in Walnut Creek, California is home to a bevy of our Trio Benches in backed and backless configurations. The benches are featured in a distinctive black powder coat, along with our Urban Renaissance Litter & Recycling Receptacles.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) – Santa Clara, CA

During a recent capital improvements campaign, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority specified our Tecno RS Seating System to use throughout their light rail station in San Jose, California. The backless seats, one of several configurations offered, allow for optimum seating flexibility and provide a sleek, modern look that enhances the high‑traffic station.

HGST – San Jose, CA

Data storage technology company HGST recently revitalized its headquarters in San Jose, California. To keep pace with evolving needs, renovations to the campus‑like setting were designed to provide collaborative outdoor work areas. Standard and custom F+S products were selected for the pedestrian corridor to help support the company’s commitment to creating spaces that encourage users to gather.

These projects reflect the diversity of environments we operate in and the expectation that our partners can navigate both design intent and real‑world execution. This role is responsible for building the next generation of projects that define the region.

What Makes This Different

• Complex, meaningful projects: Airports, campuses, public infrastructure
• System‑based thinking: Not just products, but integrated solutions
• Real manufacturing depth: Direct connection to how things are made
• Cross‑functional collaboration: Work closely with design, engineering, and operations
• Long‑term opportunity: Build a territory with real influence and ownership

The Environment

Forms+Surfaces is a design‑led manufacturing company built on the idea that good design and good manufacturing compound over time.

We operate with a collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset and value individuals who take ownership, think critically, and contribute across disciplines.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation structure, strong benefits, and long‑term growth opportunities within a dynamic and evolving organization.