Director of Florida Market Growth

Ayres Associates • Tampa, FL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Ayres, we're looking for an entrepreneurial leader who thrives on building relationships, developing opportunities, and growing market presence through exceptional client service and technical excellence. As our next Market Growth Director, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our multi-disciplinary practice while helping communities solve complex infrastructure challenges. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker who enjoys balancing client development, team leadership, and market growth. You'll collaborate with technical experts across multiple service lines while developing and implementing a vision for expanding Ayres throughout Florida.

Requirements

• Significant knowledge and proficiency in Florida professional services market and client procurement.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in professional services, project acquisition, execution, and client service.
• Demonstrated success developing client relationships, securing new work, and leading others in achieving this.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to travel regularly for client meetings, industry events, and business development activities.
• Bachelor’s degree and a respected professional in the Florida professional services market.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Existing relationships with municipalities, transportation agencies, and industry partners.
• Proven ability to develop clients, win projects, and expand market presence.
• Florida Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Bridge Inspector (CBI), Professional Surveyor and Mapper (PSM), or related licensure.
• Experience preparing proposals, developing scopes of work, and negotiating contracts.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and mentoring technical staff.
• Ability to think strategically while executing day-to-day business development activities.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
• Experience collaborating across multiple disciplines and service lines.
• Active involvement in local, state, or national professional organizations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for growing market presence and building long-term client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic business development plans with measurable growth goals.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with clients.
• Identify upcoming projects, funding opportunities, and market trends.
• Lead, coach, and mobilize staff in coordinated business development efforts, building their confidence and accountability in cultivating client relationships, and securing new work.
• Pursue new business opportunities through networking, industry involvement, client meetings, and strategic outreach.
• Coordinate and participate in trade shows, conferences, industry events, and client hospitality activities.
• Cross sell all Ayres' services and connect clients with the appropriate technical experts.
• Engage with companywide business development strategy teams.
• Monitor client satisfaction and proactively address client needs.
• Serve as an ambassador for Ayres through active involvement in professional organizations and community leadership activities.
• Develop interview strategies, participate in client presentations, and project interviews.
• Mentor and support staff in business development and client relationship activities.
• Encourage professional growth through coaching, knowledge sharing, and leadership development.
• Foster a collaborative and positive team environment focused on client success.
• Participate in recruiting and onboarding efforts as we grow.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision Insurance.
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and 401K with company match.
• PTO, paid holidays including two floating holidays, and a flexible work schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director