Project Development

Eppstein Uhen Architects; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Eppstein Uhen Architects in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is seeking a Business Developer to lead relationship development in the Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois region. You will be responsible for client retention, generating new opportunities, and collaborating with design and marketing teams.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of professional experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to problem-solve. This role is essential to maintaining and enhancing relationships with clients while contributing positively to the firm's culture.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in relationship development and client retention.
• Excellent listening, questioning, and follow-up skills.
• Strong ability to problem-solve and collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Lead relationship identification and development efforts.
• Conduct prospecting and lead generation activities.
• Ensure effective knowledge sharing and engagement.

Skills

Relationship development

Client retention strategies

Communication

Problem-solving

Networking

Education

Undergraduate or advanced degree in design-related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Client Relationship Management platforms

Job description

EUA's Business Development team is responsible for cultivating new relationships, supporting engagement opportunities for existing relationships and identifying opportunities to support those relationships with EUA's services and expertise. We work together to seek out ways in which we can develop long‑lasting relationships with our clients and partners as well as engage others throughout our organization to support and or lead in that engagement. Wins are celebrated; however, success is further defined by team engagement, relationship engagement and retention as well as the ways in which value is provided to our clients, partners and fellow team members.

As a Business Developer at EUA, you are a critical member of a diverse firm offering expertise in seven core markets of Workplace, Industrial, Science & Technology, Healthcare, Community, Living and Learning expertise. Your responsibilities will include relationship development, opportunity generation, relationship management, client retention strategies, knowledge sharing, community engagement, industry event representation, and client executive project leadership, as appropriate.

Your focus will be to develop new relationships in the markets of Workplace and Community for the Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois region.

You are an integral part of the EUA team with the responsibility to lead, communicate and collaborate in partnership with clients, design, and marketing teams. You will support our mission to Elevating People's Potential for our clients, your team and project stakeholders and leverage that mission to problem solve, communicate, and develop solutions. As a visible leader on projects and to the client, your presence and attitude reflect the culture and professionalism of EUA.

Your Role

• Lead relationship identification and development efforts which include research, engagement strategies and pursuit activities, marketing strategy, guidance and collaboration, team engagement and knowledge sharing as well as presentation, interview and client meeting preparation and leadership.
• Conduct research activities in assigned markets.
• Conduct prospecting (lead generation) activities and organize to determine the appropriate actions required to initiate relationships, meet target customers, and coordinate internal efforts to progress toward target goals and client engagement.
• Generate and secure appointments with decision makers including introductory/exploratory and fact‑finding meetings, identifying key customer concerns and needs, coordinating appropriate EUA participants and follow‑up strategies.
• Ensure appropriate and successful knowledge sharing, engagement to hand‑off, as needed, to team members for continued service or client engagement efforts.
• Lead business development process which includes support of information to customers; coordinate, perform or participate in presentations as directed by BD Practice Leader; cooperate with Marketing department for proposal and presentation preparation; work with BD Practice Leader and Studio Director(s) for strategic planning / market planning.
• Have a positive contribution to the firm's culture.
• Participate in industry trade shows, conferences and events, which may include leading or supporting conference presentations and/or client and partner engagement strategies.
• Sourcing and qualifying opportunities with companies and clients currently not served by EUA.
• Actively work to network with contacts, professional affiliations, industry groups and related centers of influence.
• Work with market leaders, studio directors, and other team members to develop target and cultivation strategies as necessary to move toward a project opportunity or retention.
• Provide ongoing, current feedback relative to market opportunities.
• Assist in the business development activities to elevate future client opportunities which may include marketing presentations, proposals, thought leadership pieces, and interviews.

Collaboration

• You will team with design leaders, project executives and managers as part of a leadership team to deliver best‑in‑class strategies and design for our clients.
• You will coach and mentor team members to develop relationships, deliver client‑facing presentations and/or engage in community events as represented by the firm.
• You will partner with other Relationship Developers across the firm to share best practices, maintain continuity in delivery and leverage expertise you may not currently have and establish relationships to best support our clients.

Your Qualifications

• Undergraduate or advanced degree in design related field.
• 10+ years professional experience with success in relationship development, positioning strategies and client retention for professional services.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, Client Relationship Management platforms.
• Excellent listening, question asking and follow‑up skills as well as ability to develop strong long‑lasting relationships.
• Exceptional narrative, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong ability to problem‑solve and collaborate with internal and external teams.
• Ability to learn architectural, engineering and related processes, comprehend highly technical information and communicate / translate EUA services to prospective clients, existing clients and partners.
• Demonstrates community involvement and activity with industry associations, civic and/or non‑profit groups.
• Confidence in facilitating strategic conversations.
• Requires influencing, negotiation skills as well as strong business acumen, ethics, maturity.
• Must be self‑motivated, proactive and self‑disciplined as well as lead as a positive role model and mentor.
• Represent EUA in the community, with clients and partners with professionalism and integrity that aligns with the EUA brand and culture.
• Travel up to 30%.
• Have a positive contribution to the firm's culture.
• Have fun!

Not virtual position

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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