Business Development Lead North America

At Unispace, we are committed to transforming workplaces to meet the diverse needs of today’s dynamic global brands. Our agile, end-to-end approach is delivered seamlessly across borders, fueled by strong client partnerships and supported by insightful workplace intelligence and innovative technology.

We believe that everyone deserves to work in an environment that inspires productivity, fosters peak performance, and promotes overall well-being. Across our 48 global studios, we recognize that positive work environments cultivate open, collaborative, and supportive cultures, enriched by the contributions of independent and motivated individuals from all backgrounds.

While our core business revolves around strategizing, designing, and building workplaces for some of the world's leading brands, we understand that our people are our greatest asset. We prioritize their growth and well-being through a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition program that includes rewards and recognition, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on mental and physical well-being.

To further support our team, we embrace flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options that empower our employees to balance in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. This approach not only enhances work-life balance but also allows us to harness the full potential of our diverse and talented workforce.

Role: Business Development Lead North America 

Reports to: Global Director of Business Development

Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid) 

About Downstream:

As the global economy continues to undergo rapid change, experience design (XD) is driving everything from the creation of products, goods and services to the reimagining of the spaces we move through and occupy every day. From apps to skyscrapers, experience design is driving how we interface with spaces, brands, and one another. Downstream positions our clients at the forefront of this shift. We combine expertise across design, technology, brand and story for some of the largest and most dynamic companies in the world.

As our Business Development Lead, this role is ideal for an entrepreneurial candidate qualified to help fuel Downstream’s growth and collaborate with Downstream’s award-winning team of designers and artists.
You will play a pivotal role in achieving annual sales targets for our North American operations, specifically the Portland, Oregon studio, by identifying and cultivating new business opportunities in North America with companies with a high demand for experience design (XD) services. Downstream specialises in the design of immersive branded environments and experiences, spanning head office and workspaces, customer or brand experience and Innovation Centers to sports stadiums and museum projects.

This role primarily focuses on new business development within corporate, sports, retail and real estate sectors. You will establish and develop strategic channel partnerships, expand Downstream’s customer base and collaborate with internal teams when pitching for new business. Additionally, you’ll be responsible for writing compelling proposals, supporting the Global Director of Business Development on new strategy execution and driving all business development and sales-related activities for your region.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, results-driven professional with a strong understanding of design projects for corporate, sports, retail and museum projects with experience in
selling multidisciplinary services including UX/UI, Graphic design, Interior Design, Storytelling, Software Development, AV Engineering and Content Creation.

This role will include collaboration with peers and other account team members to deliver sales and revenue growth and ensure world-class customer service. An established network of valuable contacts that can be leveraged for insights and opportunities is essential. Strong organisational skills and the ability to multitask effectively while aligning with growth priorities are critical requirements for this role.
Periodic travel will be required for client and industry engagement. New business takes time, so it is important to build and cultivate relationships with relevant decision-makers and influencers, using a wide range of channels to always keep top of mind.This exciting role offers meaningful career growth, with opportunities to shape your own business development strategy across North America.
In addition, this role is responsible for pursuits in conjunction with the Unispace sales organization and associated companies under the Unispace umbrella. Unispace is a global design & build organization that acquired Downstream in October of 2021. Downstream’s proven design methodology and portfolio is often a difference maker for early conversat