Practice Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Background: Founded in 1940 and headquartered in San Francisco, Degenkolb Engineers has more than eight decades of commitment to innovation, client service, and life-long learning. We deliver customized structural solutions in a variety of practice areas such as healthcare, education, science and technology, forensics, construction engineering, and federal buildings. We address every project need—whether meeting stringent codes, staying on budget, adhering to tight schedules, or creating landmark structural systems.

Position Description: Our Orange office is seeking a Business Development Manager to support and expand Degenkolb’s structural engineering practice areas through strategic relationship development, market engagement, and business growth initiatives.

We are on the forefront of the industry and dedicated to our clients’ needs, looking to showcase our expertise and commitment. This position partners closely with project managers, market leaders, and firm leadership to strengthen client relationships, identify opportunities, and support continued growth across targeted markets.

Ideal Candidate: We’re looking for someone with business development experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys supporting project managers in developing strong client relationships. The ideal candidate brings excellent communication skills, strong market awareness, and a proactive approach to helping grow the business while supporting strategic initiatives across the firm.

Compensation and Benefits: The pay rate for this position ranges between $107,000 and $145,000 annually. This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to pay transparency laws. Actual pay rates will be based on various factors, including location, company geographic differentials, education level, and candidate qualifications.

Benefits include health and life insurance, commuter benefits, paid parental leave, 401(k) with company Profit Sharing contribution, employee ownership in a privately held stock plan, financial support for professional activities, company holidays, and a generous paid time off program.

Culture: We offer a flexible hybrid work schedule and a fun office environment! Our firm is highly collaborative and filled with experts who are united by a passion for industry involvement, pride in company ownership, and respect for our personal lives. You will benefit from focused professional development within a highly supportive and transparent team environment. We also offer opportunities for committee participation and leadership, variety in work assignments, and a pay scale set at the 75th market percentile. To learn more about the company, please visit: https://degenkolb.com/culture/

Job Description:

The Business Development Manager supports business development efforts across Degenkolb’s structural engineering practice areas in Orange County. Responsibilities include developing leads and market opportunities, cultivating client relationships, supporting pursuit and proposal activities, and coordinating with project managers and leadership to advance strategic growth initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Develop information, leads, and contacts that support project managers in winning business for the firm.
• Employ best practices to promote a team environment that brings out the best in people and creates realistic plans and budgets.
• Develop key marketing contacts at targeted clients within our markets to cultivate relationships that generate new projects.
• Collaborate with market leaders on a daily basis to promote the strategic initiatives of each market area.
• Meet with Project Managers at least monthly to determine progress and any changes to business development plans.
• Coach and assist Project Managers with project interviews and presentations.
• Provide market research for target markets and clients; analyze local markets to identify opportunities and prospective companies.
• Respond to RFQs and RFPs in concert with Project Managers and incorporate Senior Principal experience across the firm strategically.
• Participate in targeted client-based organizations and determine need for sponsorships and advertising.
• Obtain and track new project leads for targeted markets.
• Assist with development of programs that increase industry awareness of the firm and its services.
• Participate in development of a firm-wide business development plan.
• Coordinate with Business Development Managers across other areas of the company.
• Assist in providing information for regular updating and maintenance of the firm’s website.
• Support updates to marketing collateral and development of Practice Area marketing materials.
• Maintain key information within the CRM database.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry.
• Proactive communication skills in relationship building.
• Strong research skills for lead generation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign.
• Passion for business development and the entrepreneurial spirit to help grow the business.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience using CRM software.
• Superior writing and editing skills.
• RFQ/RFP coordination and completion experience.
• Familiarity with digital imaging, printing, and graphics.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or a related discipline.

Application Process: See Apply Now button and please submit your resume and a targeted cover letter describing the alignment of your background with this position.

Degenkolb Engineers complies with Equal Opportunity Employer guidelines, meaning we do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where a wide range of perspectives, skills, and experiences are welcomed and respected.