Business Strategist

LaBella Associates•Richmond, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

A Business Strategist supports the growth, market expansion, and operational success of designated regions and markets for the Civil Division. This leadership-focused position serves as a catalyst for business development, client engagement, regional collaboration, and strategic planning across multiple service lines. The Business Strategist will work closely with regional leadership, technical managers, project managers, and corporate business development teams to identify growth opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and position LaBella as a trusted engineering partner throughout. This role combines strategic business planning, market intelligence, client development, operational coordination, and internal leadership support to drive sustainable growth and profitability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a Civil Division related field, Engineering Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum 10 years of experience in engineering consulting, infrastructure development, or professional services.
Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, and strategic planning.
Strong understanding of civil division’s consulting markets and project delivery.
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to travel throughout the designated region.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement regional growth strategies aligned with LaBella's corporate objectives.
Identify emerging market opportunities, industry trends, and target clients within public and private sectors.
Support expansion initiatives across a designated region.
Monitor competitive activity and provide market intelligence to divisional and regional leadership.
Assist in teaming opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
Build and maintain relationships with designated municipal, state, industrial, commercial, and private development clients.
Collaborate with technical leaders to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
Support client outreach efforts, networking initiatives, and industry engagement activities.
Coordinate strategic pursuit planning for high-value opportunities.
Track and manage key client accounts and business development metrics.
Work with clients to understand long-term goals, infrastructure priorities, capital needs, and potential barriers to implementation.
Identify potential federal, state, regional, and local funding programs that may support client projects and strategic initiatives.
Collaborate with technical staff and funding specialists to evaluate project eligibility, timing, competitiveness, and alignment with available funding opportunities.
Help clients develop strategies for advancing priority projects, including project phasing, funding sequencing, partnerships, and alignment with capital improvement plans.
Monitor emerging funding programs, legislative initiatives, and public investment priorities that may create opportunities for Civil Division clients.
Maintain awareness of client funding priorities and communicate relevant opportunities to project managers, technical leaders, and business development teams.
Coordinate and collaborate with Marketing on go/no-go decision, proposal efforts and interview preparations.
Develop pursuit strategies that align with client needs.
Represent LaBella at industry conferences, professional organizations, and community events.
Strengthen relationships with agency leaders, developers, contractors, and strategic partners.
Promote LaBella's brand and capabilities throughout the designated region.
Serve as a trusted advisor to regional and divisional leadership.
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Mentor project managers and emerging leaders in business development practices.
Support cross-disciplinary growth initiatives.