Director of Business Development (General Contractor)

Jobot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot in Chicago seeks a Lead Growth for one of the city's most respected builders to drive revenue across targeted markets. You will lead client development, nurture key relationships, and shape growth strategy in a fast-paced construction environment.

With a strong track record in business development, you will influence strategy, liaise with owners and developers, and contribute to high-profile multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial projects.

Qualifications

• 7-15+ years of experience in business development, sales, or client-facing roles within commercial construction or related industry.
• Proven track record of generating new business and closing deals in general contracting or real estate development.
• Strong existing network within Chicagoland construction, real estate, or development community preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic business development plan to drive new revenue opportunities across targeted markets.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new client relationships with developers, owners, brokers, and industry partners.
• Maintain and expand existing client relationships to generate repeat business.
• Lead the full lifecycle of the pursuit process, including lead generation, qualification, proposal development, and contract negotiation.
• Collaborate with preconstruction and operations teams to align client needs with project execution strategies.
• Represent the company at industry events, networking functions, and client meetings to enhance brand presence.
• Track market trends, competitor activity, and pipeline opportunities to inform strategic decision-making.

Skills

Business development

Sales track record

Chicago network

Education

Bachelor's degree (Construction Management, Business, Real Estate)

Job description

Lead Growth for One of Chicago's Most Respected Builders

Salary: $150,000 - $200,000 per year

A bit about us:

Our client is a Chicago-based commercial general contractor with over 30 years of experience delivering high-quality construction projects across a diverse range of sectors. Since its founding in 1988, this company has built a strong reputation for executing projects on time and within budget while maintaining a client-first approach rooted in communication, trust, and attention to detail.

The firm specializes in multifamily and mixed-use developments, retail and restaurant construction, commercial interiors, and institutional projects. With project sizes ranging from small-scale renovations to large ground-up developments, this company offers the versatility and expertise to support both national brands and local developers.

Backed by a highly experienced team and a collaborative project management approach, our client is known for fostering long-term relationships and consistently exceeding client expectations across the Chicagoland market.

Why join us?

• Strong Market Reputation: Be part of a respected builder with deep-rooted relationships across Chicago and a proven track record of repeat clients.
• Diverse Project Portfolio: Engage with projects spanning retail, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial interiors—offering variety and exposure to multiple asset classes.
• Entrepreneurial Impact: This role offers high visibility and autonomy, allowing you to directly influence revenue growth, client strategy, and market expansion.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside experienced operations and leadership teams who prioritize communication, teamwork, and execution excellence.
• Technology & Process Driven: Leverage modern construction tools and systems that enhance transparency, efficiency, and client engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

Job Details

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a strategic business development plan to drive new revenue opportunities across targeted markets.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new client relationships with developers, owners, brokers, and industry partners.
• Maintain and expand existing client relationships to generate repeat business.
• Lead the full lifecycle of the pursuit process, including lead generation, qualification, proposal development, and contract negotiation.
• Collaborate with preconstruction and operations teams to align client needs with project execution strategies.
• Represent the company at industry events, networking functions, and client meetings to enhance brand presence.
• Track market trends, competitor activity, and pipeline opportunities to inform strategic decision-making.

Qualifications:

• 7–15+ years of experience in business development, sales, or client-facing roles within commercial construction or a related industry.
• Proven track record of generating new business and closing deals within the general contracting or real estate development space.
• Strong existing network within the Chicagoland construction, real estate, or development community preferred.
• Deep understanding of construction delivery methods, project lifecycles, and client expectations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Highly self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to operate with autonomy.

Preferred Background:

• Experience selling into sectors such as retail, restaurant/QSR, multifamily, mixed-use, or commercial interiors.
• Familiarity with preconstruction processes, estimating, and value engineering.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, Real Estate, or a related field (preferred but not required).

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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