The Southern California Business Development Director is an external-facing growth leader responsible for building and converting a qualified regional pipeline-driving opportunity creation, pursuit leadership, and client relationship development in alignment with the Development Solutions Division's strategic goals. The role reports directly to the Vice President of Business Development -Development Solutions and partners closely with regional technical leaders, seller-doers, marketing, and key client leaders to execute client plans, strengthen market presence, and deliver on bookings, win rate, and pipeline health targets.
Responsibilities- Build and maintain strong relationships with division clients, increasing share-of-wallet and repeat business across key markets such as healthcare, education, civic, and science & technology.
- Expand priority and emerging client accounts through strategic planning, regular touchpoints, and opportunity identification.
- Represent the firm externally through industry events, networking, and strategic partnerships to enhance market presence and generate new opportunities.
- Collaborate with seller-doers, client leaders, marketing, and operations teams to align messaging, client strategies, and engagement approaches across regions and service lines.
- Identify and drive cross-selling opportunities across business lines and geographies to maximize revenue potential.
- Develop and execute regional business development plans aligned with divisional strategy, including target markets, clients, and pursuit strategies.
- Build and maintain a strong, qualified pipeline of opportunities through proactive relationship management, market intelligence, and partner networks.
- Lead and support major pursuits from early-stage opportunity through award, including go/no-go decisions, win strategies, teaming, proposal development, interviews, and negotiations.
- Track and manage all business development activities within the CRM system, using data and insights to guide forecasting, prioritization, and strategic decisions.
- Monitor and deliver on regional revenue goals, including bookings, win rates, and pipeline health metrics.
- Provide coaching and guidance to seller-doers and pursuit teams to strengthen overall business development effectiveness.
- Report regularly to leadership on pipeline status, key pursuits, client risks, and emerging opportunities while developing and managing regional BD budgets.
Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field
- Minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience within an A/E/C firm
- Proven track record of successful business development leadership and client relationship management
- Strong client relationships with architects, contractors, and owners in healthcare, education, civic, and science & technology markets
- Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Active participation and/or leadership in industry organizations
- Experience with Deltek VantagePoint (preferred)
- Experience with Client Experience (CX) strategies or programs (preferred)
- Ability to travel periodically and attend after-hours client events
- Ability to travel within the Southern California region, primarily based in Orange County with travel to Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and San Diego
Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.
Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.
Benefits- The typical base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $195,000, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly.
- Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k.
- Generous paid time off packages.
- 9 Paid Holidays.
- Flexible schedules.
- Education reimbursement, paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
- BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.
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