Business Development Manager – Northern California

Overview

A nationally recognized, award-winning architecture, engineering, and interior design firm is seeking a Business Development Manager to support growth across Northern California. Based in San Francisco, this opportunity focuses on Science + Technology while supporting Education and Arts markets. The role offers a collaborative hybrid environment, with three days per week in the office and travel throughout Northern California.

Position Description

The Business Development Manager will partner closely with Principals, Market Leaders, Marketing, and business development colleagues across regional and national teams. This individual will help identify promising client opportunities, strengthen relationships, build a qualified pipeline, and position project teams for successful pursuits.

The role supports principal-led business development through market insight, relationship strategy, pursuit coordination, and disciplined follow-through. Principals retain responsibility for independently selling and closing project opportunities.

Responsibilities

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Partner with Principals and business development leadership to develop, prioritize, and advance a qualified pipeline aligned with regional and national growth strategies.

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Support client targeting, segmentation, and early positioning; identify pipeline gaps, risks, and opportunities and recommend proactive next steps.

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Support relationships with key decision-makers across the University of California, California State University, community college systems, and private colleges.

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Cultivate relationships with industry partners, consultants, and other influential contacts; facilitate introductions and coordinate engagement across teams.

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Monitor capital planning, regulatory and policy developments, market trends, and competitive activity. Translate findings into actionable recommendations for client targeting, pursuit strategy, and go/no-go decisions.

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Support pursuits from early positioning through interview preparation and post-interview debriefs.

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Collaborate with Principals, subject matter experts, and Marketing to develop compelling positioning statements, client-specific narratives, and win strategies.

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Coordinate interview preparation, coaching, and rehearsals while aligning regional approaches with national messaging.

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Coordinate strategic participation in conferences, client events, and industry forums, and support speaking engagements, panels, articles, and other thought leadership activities.

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Maintain accurate CRM records for relationships, activities, opportunities, and pursuits.

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Track business development activity, pipeline health, and pursuit outcomes to support forecasting and reporting.

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Coordinate internal business development and practice meetings, document action items, and ensure timely follow-through.

Skills & Requirements

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10–15 years of experience in business development, client engagement, or strategic marketing within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.

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Science + Technology market experience preferred.

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Demonstrated success in relationship-based business development and pursuit support involving UC, CSU, community college systems, and private colleges.

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Strong strategic thinking, communication, and organizational skills.

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Confidence collaborating with senior leaders across a matrixed organization.

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Experience with CRM and pipeline management tools preferred.

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Ability to use data and metrics to develop practical insights and recommendations.

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A proactive, self-motivated, collaborative approach and enthusiasm for helping teams grow and win work.

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Ability to work from the San Francisco office three days per week and travel throughout Northern California.

Join a multidisciplinary team and help shape meaningful client relationships and growth opportunities across the region. Apply today and submit your resume for consideration.