Project Manager

Business Development Manager – Water / Wastewater Infrastructure Location: Confidential (Multiple Potential Locations Considered) Salary: $140,000 – $200,000 Base + Performance Bonus + Long-Term Growth Path Overview We are conducting a confidential search on behalf of a growing and well-established contractor in the water and wastewater infrastructure sector , seeking to appoint a Business Development Manager . This is a strategic growth hire , designed for a technically strong Project Manager or Senior Project Manager who is looking to transition into a more client-focused, revenue-generating role—while still leveraging their delivery expertise. The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving new work opportunities, strengthening key client relationships, and contributing directly to project win strategy , particularly across municipal water and wastewater markets. The Opportunity This role sits at the intersection of operations, client engagement, and strategic growth . Unlike traditional BD roles that are heavily proposal-focused, this position is centered on: Building and maintaining relationships Positioning the business to win work Influencing pursuit strategy and project approach You will work closely with senior leadership, operations teams, and an established preconstruction/proposals function, allowing you to focus on front-end project development and client engagement , rather than administrative proposal writing. Key Responsibilities Client & Relationship Management Develop and maintain strong relationships with municipal clients, engineers, and key decision-makers Act as a visible representative of the business within the water/wastewater market Strengthen and expand existing client accounts while identifying new opportunities Business Development & Opportunity Creation Identify, track, and qualify upcoming project opportunities within target regions Lead early-stage engagement with clients to influence procurement and delivery strategiesPosition the company for repeat work, negotiated projects, and preferred contractor status Collaborate with estimating and preconstruction teams to shape win strategies Provide technical and operational input into proposals, leveraging project delivery experience Support interviews, presentations, and client meetings throughout the pursuit lifecycle (Note: Dedicated internal teams handle formal proposal writing and submission.) Market Presence & Industry Engagement Attend industry events, conferences, and networking functions Build brand visibility across the water/wastewater sector Represent the business in key industry associations and client forums Internal Collaboration Work closely with Project Managers and operational teams to ensure alignment between client expectations and delivery capability Provide feedback from clients and the market to support continuous improvement What This Role is NOT Not a desk-bound proposal-writing position Not purely entertainment-driven or relationship-only Not detached from operations This is a hands-on, strategic BD role for someone who understands how projects are actually delivered and can speak credibly with clients . What Sets This Opportunity Apart Designed for Operators Moving into BD Specifically targeting PM/SPM-level individuals Leverages your delivery background rather than replacing it Allows you to stay connected to projects while influencing which work is won Highly Visible, Strategic Role Direct exposure to senior leadership (including executive level) Ability to shape growth strategy and market positioning Opportunity to have a measurable impact on revenue generation Growth & Team Expansion Part of a planned expansion of the business development function Opportunity to grow alongside the organization as it scales Long-term pathway into senior leadership, regional strategy, or operational leadership roles Ideal Candidate Profile Background in water/wastewater, heavy civil, or infrastructure construction Project Manager or Senior Project Manager experience with: Proven ability to deliver projects with minimal oversight Strong client-facing experience Understanding of preconstruction, estimating, and project execution Established or emerging network within: Water/wastewater industry stakeholders Strong communication, relationship-building, and commercial acumen Desire to transition into a more outward-facing, growth-oriented role Experience Level Typically 5–15+ years of industry experience Prior experience leading projects independently is essential No prior formal BD title required—but demonstrated client engagement is critical Base Salary: $140,000 – $200,000 (dependent on experience and network) Performance-based bonus tied to work won and strategic contribution Long-term earning potential aligned with revenue impact and career progression Who This Role is For This opportunity is ideal for individuals who: Enjoy the client-facing side of construction more than day-to-day delivery Want to move away from constant project firefighting into strategic growth responsibilities Have strong relationships but haven’t had a platform to fully leverage them Are looking to broaden their career trajectory beyond project execution Confidentiality This search is being conducted on a strictly confidential basis . #J-18808-Ljbffr Appleton Finn