Business Development Director

Haag, a Salas O'Brien Company•Springdale, OH

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

Salas O'Brien is a leading engineering and consulting firm committed to delivering innovative solutions that drive client success. Our Cincinnati division specializes in providing comprehensive engineering/architectural, automation, and construction services across diverse industry sectors. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, technical expertise, and commitment to sustainable growth. The Salas O'Brien Cincinnati division serves clients across various markets, including Agricultural, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, Chemical, Consumer Products, and Metals. Our multidisciplinary team delivers integrated solutions that address complex challenges while maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation. We are seeking a dynamic Business Development Leader to drive divisional growth while maintaining healthy diversification across all markets we serve. The primary goal of this role is to implement strategic business development initiatives that mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations and ensure steady, sustainable growth. This position requires a results-driven professional who can balance strategic vision with tactical execution while leading and developing our business development team.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering or related field
Minimum 10-15 years of progressive business development experience, preferably in engineering, construction, or related technical services
Proven track record of achieving growth targets and managing complex B2B relationships
Experience in at least two of the following markets: Agricultural, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, Chemical, Consumer Products, or Metals
Strong understanding of engineering/architectural and construction services
Demonstrated experience in contract negotiation and deal structuring
Excellent analytical skills with ability to conduct market research and trend analysis
Proficiency in CRM systems and business development tools
Strong financial acumen and understanding of project profitability metrics
Proven people management experience with ability to lead and develop teams
Experience in performance management and professional development planning
Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities
Ability to inspire and motivate team members toward common goals
Strategic thinking and planning
Relationship building and management
Market analysis and competitive intelligence
Team leadership and development
Contract negotiation and deal structuring
Cross-functional collaboration
Results-oriented mindset
Adaptability and resilience
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Nice To Haves

Experience with Seller-Doer business models in professional services
Established network of contacts within target industries
Experience with proposal development and presentation processes
Previous experience in multi-market business development role

Responsibilities

Support and champion the overall vision of Business Development and the Seller-Doer Balanced Approach
Develop and implement a comprehensive Business Development program that aligns with company vision in collaboration with Operations teams
Maintain strategic oversight of market diversification to ensure balanced growth across all served sectors
Drive business growth by identifying new opportunities and conducting comprehensive market research
Analyze market trends and pinpoint areas for improvement and expansion
Develop and execute targeted strategies to penetrate new markets and expand existing market presence
Monitor competitive landscape and maintain strong understanding of business positioning
Manage and nurture existing client relationships to identify expansion opportunities
Develop strategies for offering new services, cross-selling, and exploring new client sites
Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers across target markets
Ensure client satisfaction and retention through proactive relationship management
Facilitate negotiations for client contracts, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements
Structure deals that drive business forward while maintaining profitability
Collaborate with legal and project teams to ensure contract terms align with operational capabilities
Monitor contract performance and identify opportunities for renewal and expansion
Provide managerial oversight and leadership to Business Development team members
Develop and implement personal growth plans for BD team members that align with company goals
Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and mentorship
Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation and professional development
Collaborate closely with Business Development and Operational teams to ensure growth targets and profit goals are met
Coordinate with project delivery teams to ensure seamless transition from sales to execution
Work with marketing teams to develop presentations
Partner with senior leadership to align Business Development activities with overall company strategy