Business Development Lead

Position Summary Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Do you thrive on pursuing new opportunities, building relationships, and driving business growth? If so, this is your chance to join an innovative design‑build MEP specialty contractor as our next Business Development Lead. You will be at the forefront of developing owner‑level business relationships in key markets while expanding current verticals and exploring potential or underserved areas. Be part of an amazing company where you can make a lasting impact! Position Details Develop Strategic Owner Relationships: Leverage your expertise in the Houston market’s mechanical construction industry to cultivate opportunities that align with the division’s strategic goals. Drive Market Expansion: Strengthen existing market verticals while actively identifying and developing opportunities in underserved or emerging markets. Engage with owners to understand their business challenges and how our solutions can address them. Influence Divisional Strategy: Collaborate with divisional leadership to shape and execute business development and sales strategies. Contribute to the division’s success by providing insights into market trends and customer needs. Represent Our Brand: Be a key ambassador for the company at client meetings, industry events, and community functions. Ensure that our values and expertise are showcased across various platforms. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Construction Management. Minimum 15 years of commercial construction industry experience working at a consulting engineering, engineering/architectural, or design/build company. Coaching and Leadership: Strong coaching and leadership skills to mentor teams and influence outcomes. Multi‑tasking and Prioritization: Excellent ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively. Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for presentations, negotiations, and client interactions. Influencing and Decision‑Making: Skilled at influencing stakeholders, negotiating deals, and making decisions that drive business growth. Project Delivery Knowledge: Strong understanding of Design Build and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) methods. Presentation Skills: Confident and skilled in presenting ideas, solutions, and proposals to stakeholders. Code and Standard Knowledge: Deep understanding of local building codes, ASHRAE standards, and OSHPD requirements. RFP Expertise: Expertise in executing successful RFQ/RFP and Preconstruction submissions. Preferred Market Experience: Experience in Commercial, Institutional, Educational, and Healthcare market segments. Technical Software Experience: Microsoft Office, Primavera Scheduling. Sustainability and Design: Knowledge of central plant design and optimization, energy modeling techniques, and sustainable design methodologies. Proven Track Record: You’ve successfully developed long‑term relationships with owners in the industry, turning connections into business opportunities. Strategic Mindset: You are not just a responder—you have the vision to shape and develop markets through proactive engagement. Entrepreneurial Drive: You have the initiative and motivation to seek out, build, and nurture business relationships while always looking ahead to future opportunities. Commitment to Career Growth: We’re looking for someone seeking a long‑term career, not just a job. We'll invest in you if you’re ready to invest in us. Industry Connections: You have a strong network of key players in the Houston market and know how to leverage those connections to drive business. Technical Expertise: A solid understanding of the MEP construction industry with a drive to win in a competitive market. Travel: Some local travel is required. Benefits As a 100% employee‑owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family: 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting. Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee) . Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability. Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance. Disability income protection insurance. Pre‑tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care). Paid parental leave . Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time. Training/professional development opportunities and company‑paid memberships for professional associations and licenses. Wellness benefits. About Southland Industries As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast‑paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team. To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities ( follow us on social media ( and check out our website ( Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Contingent Employment All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time. External Agency Announcement Southland Industries’ policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS). #J-18808-Ljbffr