Business Development Lead, Water

Stantec•Fairfax, VA

11d

About The Position

Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work to meet that need, they’re facing increasingly complex challenges. Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and a vision for sustainable growth. Every day, we help communities improve, reuse, and protect our world’s most precious resource. Join our team to deliver transformational projects that will benefit future generations. Grow with us, H2O+U. Your Opportunity Stantec is at the forefront of the water industry, delivering some of the most impactful water projects that improve the health, quality of life and sustainability of the communities we live in and serve. Stantec’s Water team designs fit-for-purpose solutions across the entire water infrastructure lifecycle. We provide services in water supply and treatment, wastewater collection and treatment, biosolids management, water reuse, coastal resilience, urban stormwater management and flood mitigation, reservoirs and dams, as well as utility management and technology consulting. In 2025, Stantec was ranked No. 1 and No. 2 International Design Firm for Sewer/Waste and Water, respectively. We are seeking an experienced Business Development Lead in the Mid-Atlantic area who wants to be part of a purpose-driven organization focused on helping our clients, colleagues and communities thrive. Reporting to the US North Water business line Regional Growth Leader (RGL) and accountable for top-line performance, you will drive the growth of Stantec’s water business and strengthen our market position in the Mid-Atlantic. You will leverage your client and industry relationships, market insight, and technical expertise to pursue and win work that advances our business and inspires our people. The Business Development Lead collaborates closely with account and project managers, business developers, technical leaders, business center operations leader, and marketing lead to manage key accounts, develop growth strategies, pursue opportunities, strengthen our relationships with clients and teaming partners, and help build a high-performing, culturally strong business.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, mechanical engineering, or equivalent.
Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in leadership and business development, including developing new clients, maintaining strong relationships, and leading competitive pursuits.
Familiarity with the Mid-Atlantic area water market and projects; direct experience delivering services to Mid-Atlantic municipal clients.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills for working in diverse team environments with staff, clients, and stakeholders.
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Virginia, Maryland or Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in pursuits and campaigns for major opportunities; engage directly in relationship development, positioning, win strategies, and teaming.
Develop and manage marketing and business development plans and budget.
Manage key client relationships and target priority clients and pursuits.
Prepare and maintain successful client account management plans.
Identify industry trends and develop regional strategies that keep Stantec at the forefront of the market.
Engage clients in meaningful discussions about their critical issues and translate those discussions into opportunities to deliver solutions.
Develop branding and client engagement strategies; lead planning for conferences, trade shows, and promotional activities; actively participate in professional associations and committees.
Collaborate with other Stantec business lines to leverage relationships and resources to grow the business.
Review contracts, fees, and proposals for local and major pursuits with risk management.
Identify project delivery resource needs; lead or assign oversight for project delivery, QA/QC, discipline excellence, and technical quality.
Support business center and regional leadership in attracting, developing, engaging, and retaining top talent.
Support all aspects of talent management, including career development, engagement, succession planning, coaching, mentoring, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development.
Foster strong employee connection to leadership through regular engagement.
Lead meetings to communicate vision, strategy, and progress to staff.