Business Development Specialist

Cleary Zimmermann Engineers; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleary Zimmermann Engineers in Austin, TX seeks a senior Business Development Specialist to lead marketing and growth initiatives, shape strategy, and secure projects across target markets and service lines.

You will collaborate with firm leadership to elevate visibility, build lasting partnerships, and foster a culture of business development throughout the firm. This role involves travel for client engagements and events, with some evening/weekend commitments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Business, Marketing or Communications preferred.
• 2–10 years’ experience in sales or development.
• Knowledge of CRM databases.
• Proficiency meeting and socializing with clients to foster future work.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform market research and apply findings to BD strategy and plan.
• Lead pursuit planning for strategic projects with clear value messaging.
• Screen or pre-qualify leads to establish new client relationships and opportunities.
• Develop, implement and monitor contact management process.
• Oversee brand positioning and visibility across platforms to reinforce reputation.
• Engage with marketing to develop strategy for key project pursuits.

Skills

Client meetings

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Sales development

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business/Marketing/Communications

Tools

CRM databases

Job description

Description

Job Purpose

The Business Development Specialist will lead Cleary Zimmermann’s marketing and growth initiatives, shape strategy, and foster expansion during a key period in the firm’s development. You will manage brand positioning, strengthen client relations, and coordinate efforts to secure projects across our target markets and service lines.

This senior leadership position works closely with firm leadership to elevate Cleary Zimmermann’s visibility, build lasting relationships, and lead a culture of business development across the firm.

Duties and Responsibilities – Strategic

• Perform market research, interpret and apply findings to BD strategy and plan.
• Develop strategies that drive growth in alignment with the Firm’s strategic plan
• Establish BD goals and ensure collaborators execute their responsibilities, provide structure, accountability, and coaching to strengthen client engagement and pursuit activity.
• Lead pursuit planning for high-profile and strategic projects, ensuring that our proposals and presentations communicate clear value and differentiation.

Duties and Responsibilities – Tactical

• Perform market research, interpret and apply findings to BD strategy and plan
• Screen or pre-qualify client or project leads from market research, referrals, contacts, cold calls and other sources to establish new client relationships and to ascertain project opportunities, interest/appropriateness and requirements of follow-up calls
• Oversee and direct the implementation of key initiatives to further the strategic BD plan
• Develop, implement and monitor contact management process
• Develop, implement and monitor business development efforts for hit rate and return on investment
• Track business development opportunities in CRM (Unanet)
• Mine and track A/E teaming data (wins and losses) to develop market intelligence relative to the A/E teams working for and holding relationships with owners
• Introduce tools, best practices, and insights from broader industry trends to keep Cleary Zimmermann at the forefront of marketing and business development in the AEC field.

Duties and Responsibilities – Personal Engagement

• Build enduring connections with clients, collaborators, and community partners, elevating the firm’s profile and influence.
• Mentor and collaborate with Principals, collaborators, and marketing staff to foster a culture of business development, creativity, and client focus.
• Spend significant time away from the office in face-to-face engagements gathering leads, intelligence and building new and furthering existing relationships
• Maintain and grow a network of key individuals with similar business values
• Implement corporate entertainment strategies to ensure maximum exposure and return on investment
• Maintain active involvement in the community
• Be involved at the Board level in select organizations; Executive board level is preferred were applicable
• Support Team Leaders in developing new business, as well as the maintenance of existing clients/relationships.

Duties and Responsibilities – Marketing

• Oversee brand positioning and visibility across platforms, reinforcing Cleary Zimmermann’s reputation for design excellence and craft.
• Work with the marketing department to develop strategy for key project pursuits
• Engage and maintain active involvement with appropriate social media platforms

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Marketing or Communications preferred
• 2-10 years’ experience in sales or development
• Knowledge of CRM databases
• Proficiency meeting and socializing with clients to foster future work
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Continuing Education

None

Working Conditions

This position requires evening and weekend work occasionally to entertain clients, attend community events, and participate in other business development functions.