Strategic Projects Sr. Manager

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 build trusted client relationships and identify new project opportunities across aquarium, zoo, aquatic, and specialist construction sectors. Based in Houston, this role combines strategic business development with delivery knowledge to navigate concept through delivery.

This position works with design, engineering, and operations teams to position AAT as a trusted partner for large-scale, world-class

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute USA business development strategies to capture new markets in aquarium and zoo construction.
• Identify opportunities in aquarium, zoo, swimming pool, and aquatic applications markets and tailor solutions.
• Assist in CRM system, dashboards, and KPI management and improvement.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and aquatic specialists to promote innovative design and construction concepts.
• Lead identification, engagement, and acquisition of new partners and investors.
• Oversee preparation, negotiation, and closing of commercial proposals, contracts, and agreements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure BD initiatives are technically feasible and aligned with project delivery capabilities.
• Monitor market trends and industry developments to inform strategic decisions.
• Manage a robust sales pipeline from prospecting to contract handover.
• Represent AAT at industry events and client meetings to promote capabilities and value proposition.
• Coordinate with Marketing, Design, and Operations for cohesive messaging and project execution.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics for BD activities and report to senior management.

Skills

Client engagement

Stakeholder management

Business development

Commercial awareness

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Project Management, Architecture, or related discipline

Tools

CRM systems

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

We welcome applications from professionals who have succeeded in roles such as:

• 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.