Director of Business Development

Powers & Sons Construction; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Vehicle allowance

Expense support

Job summary

Powers & Sons Construction in Chicago, IL, is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Director of Business Development to drive growth in Chicagoland. This role emphasizes long-term partnerships, negotiated opportunities, and a pipeline of future engagements.

The ideal candidate will leverage existing relationships within healthcare, education, corporate clients, municipalities, architects, and industry partners to expand the company’s presence and secure >$10M projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of business development, client development, operations leadership, or related experience within commercial construction preferred.
• Existing relationships within the Chicagoland construction and commercial real estate markets.
• Experience pursuing and securing negotiated commercial construction opportunities exceeding $10M.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction delivery, preconstruction, and operational processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic relationships with owners, developers, healthcare systems, school districts, corporate clients, architects, brokers, and industry partners throughout Chicagoland.
• Identify opportunities for negotiated commercial construction projects >$10M and build a robust pipeline.
• Represent the company at industry events and strengthen visibility in Chicago commercial real estate and construction communities.
• Collaborate with operations, preconstruction, and leadership to align pursuit strategy and client engagement.
• Support executive leadership in expanding relationships with new and existing clients and participate in strategic pursuits.

Skills

Strategic development

Executive presence

Relationship building

Negotiation

Leadership

Job description

Powers & Sons Construction is a third-generation, family-owned construction firm with nearly 60 years of experience building across northwest Indiana & the Greater Chicago market. Our reputation has been built on long-term relationships, operational excellence, integrity, and a culture that treats employees, clients, and partners like family.

As we continue expanding our presence in healthcare, education, corporate, and developer-focused markets, we are seeking a strategic, relationship-driven business development leader to help shape the next chapter of our growth.

This is not a transactional sales role. We are looking for a market-facing professional who understands the Chicago commercial construction landscape, values long-term partnerships, and can help generate meaningful negotiated opportunities across the region.

Position Summary

The Director of Business Development will lead strategic relationship development and new client acquisition efforts throughout the Chicagoland market. This individual will focus on expanding Powers & Sons’ presence within healthcare systems, educational institutions, corporate clients, municipalities, architects, and industry partners.

The ideal candidate brings strong existing relationships, commercial construction experience, executive presence, and a collaborative approach to business development. This role will work closely with executive leadership, operations, and preconstruction teams to identify opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and support long-term company growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Development

• Develop and strengthen relationships with owners, developers, healthcare systems, school districts, corporate clients, architects, brokers, and industry partners throughout Chicagoland
• Identify and cultivate opportunities for negotiated commercial construction projects >$10M
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of future opportunities aligned with company growth goals

Market Presence & Network

• Represent Powers & Sons Construction at industry organizations, networking events, conferences, and client functions
• Maintain active visibility within Chicago commercial real estate and construction communities
• Promote and strengthen the company’s brand and reputation across target markets

New Client Acquisition

• Identify strategic growth opportunities within healthcare, education, corporate, and municipal sectors
• Develop client engagement strategies that lead to long-term partnerships and repeat business
• Support executive leadership in expanding relationships with new and existing clients
• Collaborate with operations, preconstruction, and leadership teams to align pursuit strategy and client engagement efforts
• Participate in strategic pursuits, interviews, presentations, and client meetings
• Help position the company for negotiated and relationship-based opportunities

Client Relationship Management

• Maintain consistent communication and follow-through with clients and industry partners
• Foster trust-based relationships focused on long-term collaboration and service excellence
• Track and manage relationship activity and opportunity development

Qualifications

• 10+ years of business development, client development, operational leadership, or related experience within commercial construction preferred
• Existing relationships within the Chicagoland construction and commercial real estate markets
• Experience pursuing and securing negotiated commercial construction opportunities exceeding $10M
• Strong understanding of commercial construction delivery, preconstruction, and operational processes
• Executive presence with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• Self-motivated, strategic, and highly collaborative mindset
• Ability to represent the company professionally in client-facing and networking environments

Preferred

• Network relationships with heatlhcare construction, K-12 or Higher Education, Corporate/Commercial office, Development and owner-side
• Experience working with architects, brokers, and owners representatives

Why Join Powers & Sons Construction?

• Third-generation leadership with nearly 60 years in Greater Chicago
• $250M growing business with a strong reputation and legacy
• Entrepreneurial environment with direct leadership access
• Opportunity to shape strategic growth initiatives
• Relationship-driven culture focused on integrity and long-term partnerships
• Family-oriented company culture that values people and collaboration
• Strong operational foundation and commitment to excellence
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Vehicle allowance and business development expense support
• Long-term growth opportunity within a respected Chicago construction firm