Project Development Manager Jobs in Cary, NC (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE POSITION- Development Manager - Raleigh, NC

VHB is seeking a growth-focused, entrepreneurial Development Manager to help shape the future of our Raleigh, North Carolina office. This is a high-visibility, strategic role for a leader who is excited to grow a business, build strong client partnerships, and elevate VHB's prominence across the Triangle. Reporting to the Raleigh Managing Director, you will collaborate closely with senior market leaders, local and regional leadership, and corporate partners to develop and execute strategies that strengthen VHB's brand, expand our client base, and drive sustainable, profitable growth.

• Lead growth for a key, expanding office in a dynamic and rapidly growing region.
• Influence strategy at the office, regional, and firm-wide levels.
• Work with collaborative, high-performing teams across markets and disciplines.
• Make a visible impact on the communities and clients we serve in the Triangle and beyond.

• Develop and maintain a clear, compelling vision and 3-5 year strategic growth plan for the Raleigh office that aligns with VHB's overall Strategic Plan.
• Drive office growth and market expansion by creating innovative, forward-looking plans to pursue new business and expand services across markets (Local Government, Transportation, Energy, Institutional, Federal, Real Estate) and disciplines.
• Leverage projects, client relationships, and technical expertise from across VHB's offices and practices to grow the Raleigh portfolio, deepen existing client relationships, and open doors to new clients in the Triangle and beyond.
• Lead the growth of existing and new clients and initiatives by identifying business development opportunities, shaping strategic pursuits, and creating actionable plans to win and deliver them.
• Provide strategic guidance throughout the project pursuit process, including opportunity identification, scope development, risk identification, and defining project goals; make informed recommendations for go/no-go decisions and teaming/partnering strategies.
• Lead cross-market initiatives that span multiple geographies and practices, ensuring Raleigh both contributes to and benefits from VHB-wide programs and signature projects.
• Direct and implement strategic and tactical marketing and promotional initiatives-such as campaigns, conferences, networking, and industry events-to promote and differentiate VHB's brand and capabilities in the Triangle area.
• Partner with VHB's Communications Team to identify and communicate VHB's unique differentiators in the marketplace and reinforce the company's brand.
• Partner with the Managing Director and Service Directors on the development and successful delivery of the annual Business Plan and corresponding financial metrics, ensuring the Raleigh office meets or exceeds performance targets.

• Develop and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with clients, prospective clients, and key stakeholders to foster alignment, collaboration, and long-term partnerships.
• Identify, secure, and manage new business opportunities while maintaining and expanding relationships with existing Raleigh-area clients, in coordination with other VHB offices and market leaders.
• Actively leverage client relationships and project experience from other VHB regions and markets to bring new services, capabilities, and thought leadership to clients in the Triangle.
• Serve as Project Executive on high-visibility and strategic projects with key clients, ensuring high-quality delivery, strong financial performance, and outstanding client satisfaction.
• Maintain high external visibility through active participation and leadership in professional and local organizations, boards, conferences, and industry forums to strengthen VHB's presence, reputation, and design leadership in the region.
• Lead and support implementation of change management strategies related to innovative technologies, data-driven solutions, and the integration of sustainability into projects-positioning VHB and the Raleigh office as forward-thinking, trusted partners.

• Partner with the Raleigh Managing Director and Service Directors on senior staff recruitment and retention, helping build and sustain a high-performing, engaged, and inclusive team.
• Lead and drive key initiatives outlined in the Regional and Local Strategic Plan, ensuring clear ownership, accountability, and measurable results.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity by recognizing and advancing innovative ideas and encouraging cross-office and cross-market knowledge sharing.
• Ensure that all job functions and office activities are conducted in compliance with relevant regulations, VHB policies, and quality standards.
• Model and support ongoing professional and personal development-for yourself and others-aligning development activities with career goals and VHB's strategic needs.

• Excellent communication, listening, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with courage, energy, optimism, and drive, with a strong work ethic and dedication to VHB, our clients, and our employees.
• Open-minded, innovative, and adaptable, with a commitment to continuous learning, improvement, and professional growth.
• Proven success in collaborative problem solving with stakeholders, clients, and teammates.
• Strong professional judgment with a focus on quality, financial performance, and long-term client value.
• Desire and ability to mentor and train design and project staff in evaluating project risks, understanding client expectations, and delivering successful, high-quality projects.

• B.S. in engineering, planning, or a related field, and at least 10 years of post-graduate experience in a related engineering or planning discipline.
• Strong external reputation and network within the Raleigh/Triangle market or similar markets.
• Registered North Carolina PE or AICP preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience with proposal writing, presentations, public speaking, and structured problem solving.
• Technical proficiency and ability to understand, navigate, and oversee complex projects.
• Ability to maintain a high-level, strategic view of project and client goals while providing practical, actionable guidance.
• Solid business management skills, including planning, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.

Building what's next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, peopledriven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

When you join VHB, you'll find:

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We're growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what's next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.  

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

#LI-AS1