Strategic Projects & Client Development Manager (Houston, Texas)

Advanced Aquarium Technologies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) seeks a commercially minded construction professional to lead business development in the USA, based in Houston. You will build trusted client relationships, identify project opportunities across aquarium and zoo sectors, and collaborate with design, engineering and operations teams to position AAT as a trusted partner.

The role focuses on strategic BD, not traditional sales, with emphasis on understanding complex projects, leading proposals, and expanding

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of construction project lifecycles and delivery methodologies.
• Experience building long-term client relationships in construction/infrastructure.
• Background in BD, bid management, preconstruction, PM, construction management, or client-side delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute USA BD strategies to capture new markets aligned with growth in aquarium and zoo construction.
• Identify opportunities within aquarium, zoo, swimming pool, and emerging aquatic markets to tailor solutions.
• Assist in CRM implementation, dashboards and KPI management.
• Collaborate with architects and aquatic specialists to promote innovative design and construction concepts.
• Lead identification, engagement and acquisition of new partners and investors to expand revenue streams.
• Oversee preparation, negotiation and closing of commercial proposals and contracts.
• Collaborate with Design, Engineering and Operations to ensure BD initiatives align with project delivery capabilities.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decisions and maintain competitive advantage.
• Manage and maintain a robust sales pipeline from prospecting through contract award and handover.
• Represent AAT at industry events and client meetings to promote brand and value proposition.
• Coordinate across Marketing, Design and Operations for cohesive messaging and successful execution.
• Develop budgets, forecasts and performance metrics for BD activities; report regularly to senior management.

Skills

Client engagement

Bid management

Project delivery

CRM

Stakeholder management

Communication

Negotiation

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

We are seeking a commercially minded construction professional who can build trusted relationships with clients and identify new project opportunities across the aquarium, zoo, aquatic, and specialist construction sectors.

Based in Houston, Texas, this role offers a unique opportunity to combine strategic business development expertise with a passion for innovative, large-scale construction projects that inspire and educate communities worldwide.

This is not a traditional sales role. Success in this position comes from understanding construction projects, engaging clients in meaningful discussions about project delivery, site challenges, construction methodologies, technical solutions, and partnering approaches.

The ideal candidate could come from a range of backgrounds including business development, project management, bid leadership, preconstruction, client-side project delivery, or site-based construction leadership. What matters most is the ability to understand complex projects, communicate confidence and expertise, and help clients navigate their project journey from concept through delivery.

Working closely with AAT's design, engineering, and operations teams, you will help clients understand what possible and position AAT as a trusted partner for some of the world’s most unique aquatic construction projects.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute USA business development strategies to capture new markets aligned with AAT’s growth and niche in aquarium and zoo construction.
• Identify and develop business opportunities specifically within the aquarium, zoo, swimming pool, and emerging aquatic applications markets, leveraging AAT’s expertise to tailor solutions that meet the unique needs of these niche sectors.
• Assist in the implementation, management, and continuous improvement of CRM system, dashboards and KPI’s.
• Collaborate with industry experts, architects, and aquatic specialists to promote innovative design and construction concepts that enhance visitor experience and operational efficiency in aquariums, zoos, and aquatic recreational facilities.
• Lead the identification, engagement, and acquisition of new partners, and investors, building strong relationships to expand AAT’s customer base and revenue streams.
• Oversee the preparation, negotiation, and closing of commercial proposals, contracts, and agreements, ensuring alignment with client needs, project budgets, and company profitability targets.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including Design, Engineering, and Operations, to ensure business development initiatives are technically feasible and aligned with project delivery capabilities.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments to provide insights that inform strategic decisions and maintain AAT’s competitive advantage.
• Manage and maintain a robust sales pipeline, tracking progress of opportunities from prospecting through to contract award and project handover.
• Represent AAT at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to promote the company’s brand, capabilities, and value proposition.
• Lead cross-functional coordination with Marketing, Design, and Operations to ensure cohesive messaging, client engagement, and successful project execution.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics related to business development activities, reporting regularly to senior management.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Project Management, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in construction, project delivery, business development, bid management, client engagement, or related fields.
• Experience working on medium to large-scale construction or capital projects.
• Exposure to design and construct, EPC, or complex project delivery environments is highly regarded.

Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of construction project lifecycles, delivery methodologies, and stakeholder management.
• Ability to engage confidently with clients and discuss project requirements, site environments, construction challenges, risk management, and delivery solutions.
• Experience building and maintaining long-term client relationships within construction, infrastructure, specialist contracting, or related industries.
• Background in business development, bid management, preconstruction, project management, construction management, or client-side project delivery.
• Strong commercial and contractual awareness.
• Ability to translate client requirements into practical construction solutions in collaboration with technical and operational teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder groups including owners, consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, and government representatives.
• CRM and pipeline management experience is desirable but not essential.
• Experience within aquarium, zoo, aquatic, themed entertainment, specialist construction, or related industries is advantageous.

Ideal Background

• Business Development Manager within the construction industry
• Project Manager with strong client-facing responsibilities
• Senior Project Engineer or Construction Manager looking to transition into a relationship-driven role
• Bid Manager or Proposal Manager with extensive client engagement experience
• Preconstruction Manager
• Design and Construct Project Manager
• Client-Side Project Manager
• Infrastructure or Specialist Construction Business Development Professional

About AAT

Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) is a global specialist in the design, engineering, construction and operation of world-class public aquariums. From concept development through to commissioning and long-term operations, AAT delivers integrated, turnkey solutions that bring complex aquatic environments to life.

Headquartered in Queensland, Australia, with operations across Asia and the Americas, AAT has delivered landmark aquarium projects in more than 30 countries, including iconic destinations such as national aquariums, oceanariums, zoo exhibits and large-scale marine attractions.

What sets AAT apart is the breadth of its in-house capabilities — spanning design, engineering, acrylic manufacturing, life support systems, themed environments and ongoing operational services. This vertically integrated model enables the company to deliver highly specialised projects with exceptional quality, reliability and performance.

Our work helps create immersive experiences for millions of visitors while supporting marine conservation education, wild animal rescue and rehabilitation, research and animal wellbeing around the world.

Location, Travel & Flexibility

This role requires the flexibility to travel nationally and internationally to support client engagement, business development initiatives, project opportunities, industry events, and key stakeholder meetings. You'll also be comfortable working across different time zones and adapting your schedule as needed to collaborate with global clients, partners, and teams.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Advanced Aquarium Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We value a diverse workforce and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.