Director, Business Development

Company Description

CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction and consulting solutions to the global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,600 employees provide best-in-class solutions that drive success and positive change for our clients, our people and our communities. CRB is a privately held company with a rich history of serving clients throughout the world, consistently striving for the highest standard of technical knowledge, creativity and execution.

Job Description

The Business Development Director is a key strategic role responsible for driving profitable and sustainable business growth in assigned regions. This role requires exceptional organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills to identify, develop, and secure business opportunities aligned with CRB’s core services in the life sciences and food & beverage sectors.

This is a hands-on management position requiring flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, along with a strategic understanding of AEC business operations. The role involves market research, go-to-market strategy execution, client engagement, and revenue generation across multiple geographies.

The Business Development Director will report to the Vice President of Market Engagement and will work in collaboration with operational leaders to execute business development strategies aligned with regional and corporate objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic business development plans aligned with regional revenue and profitability targets.
• Lead and coordinate an organized BD, Sales, and Account Management effort across multiple regions.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, competitive threats, and new opportunities within targeted industries and geographies.
• Establish, manage, and strengthen strategic relationships with key stakeholders, decision-makers, and influencers within client organizations.
• Attend industry conferences and trade events to enhance CRB’s market presence and generate new business leads.
• Interface with BD peers and operational leaders across regions to leverage networks and facilitate cross-regional pursuits.
• Oversee and contribute to proposal and RFP responses, ensuring high-quality content that aligns with client needs.
• Drive internal coordination through weekly BD meetings, identifying gaps, best practices, and improvement areas.
• Support CRB’s expansion efforts by identifying cross-selling and up-selling opportunities within existing client accounts.
• Assist in the creation of short- and long-term sales goals while monitoring performance metrics.
• Lead and coordinate the efforts of the seller-doer program, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Maintain and update CRM systems (e.g., Dynamics) to track client activity, leads, and business opportunities.
• Ensure continuous engagement with professional societies, industry associations, and relevant influencers to elevate CRB’s thought leadership.
• Manage expense budgets and develop monthly activity reports to track BD efforts.
• Success in this role will be measured by revenue growth, new client acquisitions, expansion of existing client relationships, and effectiveness in strategic positioning within the industry.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, operations, and finance teams to align BD strategies with company-wide objectives and ensure seamless execution.
• Actively contribute to industry thought leadership by engaging in speaking opportunities, publishing white papers, and participating in client education efforts.
• Develop and maintain long-term client relationships by ensuring high levels of engagement, satisfaction, and trust, identifying opportunities for additional services and repeat business

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Marketing, or Business Administration (preferred).
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in business development or operational leadership, preferably in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, or laboratory/science & technology sectors.
• Strong leadership and coordination ability within a matrixed environment across multiple teams and offices.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with strong presentation and negotiation capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and CRM tools like Dynamics, Sales Navigator, and industry-specific platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to influence key decision-makers and build lasting business relationships.
• Experience in le