Business Development Specialist (AEC)

Job Description

Job Description

About the Opportunity

A well-established and highly regarded architecture and design firm headquartered in Atlanta, GA is seeking a driven and relationship-focused Business Development Specialist (AEC) to join their team. This firm has built a strong reputation across multiple market sectors, including education, healthcare, worship, and commercial design, and is positioned for continued strategic growth.

This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for a self-motivated sales professional who thrives in a consultative environment and understands the AEC industry. The firm offers a collaborative culture, strong leadership support, and the opportunity to be the primary driver of new business development across a diverse and growing portfolio.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Sales and Marketing, the Business Development Specialist (AEC) will serve as the firm's dedicated opportunity development professional. This individual contributor will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, nurturing, and advancing new and expanded client opportunities, enabling firm Principals and Market Sector Leaders to focus on relationship leadership, technical expertise, and project delivery.

What You Will Do

Sales and Business Development

• Develop and execute an annual business development plan aligned with the firm's strategic growth objectives
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities across targeted industries and market sectors
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective clients and active opportunities
• Conduct proactive outreach through networking, referrals, industry events, and direct prospecting
• Develop relationships with key decision-makers, influencers, and referral sources
• Schedule and lead introductory meetings, discovery conversations, and follow-up meetings with prospective clients
• Advance opportunities through each stage of the sales process and transition qualified opportunities to the appropriate Principal or Market Sector Leader
• Meet or exceed annual sales activity, pipeline, and revenue objectives

Existing Client Development

• Identify opportunities for additional services with existing and former clients
• Re-engage dormant clients and strengthen long-term client relationships
• Work with Market Sector Leaders to develop strategic account growth plans

Pipeline and CRM Management

• Maintain accurate CRM records and sales activity logs
• Prepare pipeline forecasts, reports, and business development metrics
• Track opportunity status, anticipated revenue, and key milestones

Pursuit Support

• Partner with Marketing and technical staff on proposals and interview preparation
• Assist with pursuit strategy, client research, and competitive intelligence

Market Intelligence

• Monitor market trends, economic development activity, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities
• Share market intelligence with leadership to support strategic planning

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred
• 3 to 7 years of successful business development or sales experience
• Architecture, engineering, construction, professional services, or commercial real estate industry experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success generating new business and achieving sales goals
• Experience using CRM platforms
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills
• Strong networking and negotiation abilities
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and follow-up discipline
• Ability to collaborate across multiple departments and market sectors
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM software

What Success Looks Like

• Net service revenue generated from originated opportunities
• Qualified sales pipeline value and growth
• New client relationships established
• Revenue generated from existing client expansion
• Win rate of qualified pursuits
• Achievement of annual revenue objectives
• Effective collaboration with Principals and Market Sector Leaders

Additional Details

• Location: Cumberland/Smyrna (hybrid schedule (4 days a week in office/1 day remote); regular travel within the Atlanta metropolitan area required; occasional overnight travel may be required)
• Compensation: $80,000 to $90,000 base salary, commensurate with experience, plus incentive compensation tied to net new revenue generated
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Engagement: Direct hire through our client