Freelance Subsurface Utility Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Client Development Manager is responsible for driving business growth, cultivating strategic client relationships, and managing key projects within the land surveying, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), and construction engineering service sectors. This position serves as a critical link between clients, project teams, and company leadership, ensuring the successful pursuit, execution, and delivery of projects while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.

The Client Development Manager will identify and secure new business opportunities, develop and expand existing client accounts, and oversee project performance from contract award through completion. Working closely with survey professionals, utility engineers, construction engineering staff, and project managers, this role ensures projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with client expectations and company quality standards.

The ideal candidate combines strong business development and relationship management skills with practical project management experience and a solid understanding of infrastructure development, utility engineering, surveying technologies, and construction processes. Success in this role requires the ability to build long‑term partnerships, manage multiple priorities, lead multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the company's strategic growth objectives across public and private sector markets.

• Develop and execute strategic business development plans to achieve annual revenue and growth targets.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new opportunities for land surveying, SUE, utility coordination, and construction engineering services.
• Build and maintain relationships with public agencies, municipalities, transportation departments, utility owners, engineering consultants, contractors, and private developers.
• Lead client outreach efforts, networking activities, industry event participation, and strategic account development.
• Track market trends, upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, and competitive activities.
• Prepare and deliver client presentations, service proposals, qualifications packages, and contract negotiations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for key clients and strategic accounts.
• Develop long‑term partnerships by understanding client objectives, challenges, and project needs.
• Coordinate with project managers and technical staff to ensure successful project delivery and client satisfaction.
• Resolve client concerns promptly and maintain high levels of customer service.
• Conduct regular client visits and business reviews to identify additional service opportunities.

• Develop market penetration strategies for transportation, infrastructure, utility, municipal, and construction sectors.
• Identify opportunities for cross‑selling surveying, SUE, construction engineering inspection, utility mapping, and related services.
• Support geographic expansion efforts and new service line development.
• Collaborate with leadership on annual business plans, sales forecasts, and growth initiatives.

• Lead proposal strategy and coordinate responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and Invitations to Bid (ITBs).
• Work with technical teams to develop competitive scopes of work, schedules, and pricing strategies.
• Review client contracts and coordinate negotiations to support favorable business terms.
• Maintain proposal pipelines and CRM systems to accurately forecast opportunities.

• Represent the company at professional organizations, industry conferences, trade associations, and client events.
• Promote company capabilities through networking, presentations, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Strengthen the company brand within the surveying, utility engineering, and construction markets.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Surveying, Construction Management, Marketing, or a related field, or 15+ years of experience in the below qualifications.
• 5+ years of business development, client management, or sales experience within the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry.
• Working knowledge of land surveying, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination, construction engineering, or related professional services.
• Proven track record of generating revenue growth and developing strategic client partnerships.
• Strong understanding of public and private infrastructure project procurement processes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and proposal management tools.
• Ability to travel regularly for client meetings, networking events, and industry conferences.

• Experience working with DOTs, municipalities, utility companies, engineering consultants, or transportation agencies.
• Familiarity with ASCE 38 Utility Investigations and industry SUE standards.
• Existing network of contacts within surveying, infrastructure, utility, or construction markets.
• Professional certifications related to sales, project management, surveying, or engineering.
• Experience managing strategic accounts with annual revenue exceeding established growth targets.

• Relationship Building
• Strategic Sales Planning
• Business Development
• Client Retention
• Contract Negotiation
• Market Analysis
• Leadership and Influence
• Proposal Development
• Infrastructure Industry Knowledge
• Communication and Presentation Skills

• Annual sales and revenue growth.
• New client acquisition.
• Expansion of existing client accounts.
• Proposal win rate.
• Client satisfaction and retention.
• Strategic partnership development.
• Achievement of business development goals and market expansion objectives.

• Competitive base salary plus performance‑based incentive program.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development and industry association support.
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing engineering and surveying organization.