Business Development Manager - Los Angeles Studio

About the role

A design-driven architecture firm with a strong West Coast presence and a portfolio of workplace, cultural, institutional and mixed-use projects is expanding its visibility and client relationships in Southern California. It is seeking a Business Development Manager for its Los Angeles studio to drive growth, working closely with firm leadership to develop strategies, expand market presence and secure new projects. The role suits someone who understands both the business and design sides of the built environment.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with the Director of Business Development, West Coast, to align LA pursuits with regional growth, share opportunities across offices and report on pipeline performance.
• Help develop annual business development strategies, set revenue goals and identify priority market sectors for the LA studio.
• Work with the marketing team on proposal positioning, award submissions, public relations and business development content.
• Track, analyze and report revenue forecasts, pursuit success rates and pursuit investment costs.
• Identify new opportunities by monitoring RFPs, RFQs, industry publications and market trends, and support go/no-go decisions.
• Maintain pursuit materials such as project sheets, resumes, case studies and standard proposal content.
• Represent the firm at industry events and organizations such as ULI, CoreNet, NAIOP and AIA, and pursue networking, sponsorship and speaking opportunities.
• Run client engagement initiatives, including outreach campaigns, relationship-building activities and firm-hosted events.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, Architecture or a related discipline.
• 5-10 years of experience in business development, marketing, client development or a related role in architecture, engineering, construction, real estate or professional services.
• Strong understanding of the Los Angeles and Southern California real estate, development and design markets.
• Experience managing opportunity pipelines and CRM systems, and leading proposals, qualifications packages and RFP/RFQ responses.
• Experience coordinating shortlist interviews and client presentations.
• Preferred: active membership in industry organizations such as SMPS, ULI, AIA, CoreNet or NAIOP, familiarity with California public-sector procurement, and an established network in the Los Angeles market.

Required skills

• CRM platforms such as Deltek Vantagepoint, Salesforce or similar.
• Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign.
• Strong written and verbal communication and relationship-building skills.