In 1999, Ghirardelli was launched as a construction management firm. Since then, we’ve evolved into a multi-disciplined organization that provides transportation infrastructure and municipal services for State and Local Agencies. Our team of Associates provides program management, municipal engineering, construction management, and public outreach services.

Industry: Civil Engineering
Company Size: 51-200 employees

Ghirardelli Associates

Savvy Admin PROD

**Brief Description**

At Ghirardelli Associates we take pride in the accomplishments of our Associates and the environment that we foster. As a Great Place to Work, we strive to provide continuous growth and opportunities for our employees with the best benefits package and competitive wages we can offer. We’re not just an employer, we are family! We are proud to shape the communities we live in, while creating a positive environment for our associates to foster creativity and growth.

**Associate Perks**

Work & Life

- Competitive PTO

- 9 Paid Holidays

- Generous Education Allowance

- Bonus Programs

- Company Vehicle (depending on assignment)

Health Benefits

- Medical Insurance

- Dental Insurance

- Vision Plan

- Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)

- Health Spending Account (HSA)

- Wellness Rewards Program

Financial Benefits

- Life Insurance

- Profit Sharing

- 401(k) Plan (employer matching program)

Ghirardelli Associates is currently looking to hire a **Strategic Business Development Lead **. This position will be based out of our Commerce Office. This is an opportunity to work with an experienced team of professionals!

**Position Summary**

The Strategic Business Development Lead will drive the firm’s growth in Southern California by strengthening our market share in Project & Program Management, Construction Management, Municipal Engineering Services, and Public Outreach. Working in both existing sectors and new adjacent markets we choose to enter, this role combines client mining, pursuit of new opportunities, partnership building, staff mentoring, and market positioning — ensuring immediate results while building long-term strategic growth.

**Duties And Responsibilities**

**Core Mandates**

- Mine Existing Contracts – Grow revenue from current clients through scope expansion & repeat business.

- Capture New Business – Build pipeline and secure new wins across SoCal.

- Build Strategic Partnerships – Mentor–mentee relationships with small & diverse firms for mutual growth.

- Develop Seller–Doers – Mentor staff into client-facing BD contributors.

- Shape Market Positioning – Strengthen visibility in current & future markets.

- Align Talent to Growth – Match staff skills & ambitions to roles, support staffing & recruiting needs.

**Collaboration**

- Executive Leadership – firmwide growth & diversification strategy.

- BD Leadership – pipeline priorities & pursuit strategies.

- Marketing – positioning, proposals & campaigns.

- Southern California Division Director – align BD with delivery & divisional goals.

- Recruiting Manager – staffing & talent planning aligned with growth.

**Expected Outcomes**

- Revenue growth from both mined contracts & new wins.

- Increased market share across all four service offerings.

- Expanded presence in adjacent/new markets.

- Formalized partnerships with small & diverse firms.

- Staff developed into seller–doers.

- Strong BD–Ops–Marketing–Recruiting alignment.

- Elevated firm visibility & positioning in target markets.

**Desired Skills And Qualifications**

**Education & Experience:**

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in business development, project/program management, or municipal engineering services within Southern California.

- Proven track record of driving revenue growth through client development, strategic partnerships, and market expansion.

**Technical & Industry Expertise**

- Deep understanding of Project & Program Management, Construction Management, Municipal Engineering Services, and Public Outreach.

- Familiarity with Southern California’s public agency landscape, procurement processes, and regulatory environment.

- Experience working with small and diverse firms, including mentoring and partnership development.

**Leadership & Strategic Thinking**

- Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor staff into seller–doers and align talent with strategic growth initiatives.

- Demonstrated ability to shape market positioning and elevate brand visibility in competitive environments.

- Strategic mindset with the ability to identify and pursue adjacent market opportunities.

**Business Development & Collaboration**

- Exceptional business development acumen, including client mining, pipeline building, and securing new wins.

- Collaborative approach to working with executive leadership, marketing, recruiting, and operations teams.

- Skilled in proposal development, campaign execution, and pursuit strategy alignment.

**Communication & Relationship Building**

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with clients, partners, and internal teams.

- Strong presentation and negotiation skills, with a focus on long-term relationship building.

**Other Qualifications**

- Ability to travel throughout California for client meetings, industry associations, and events, including occasional overnight travel.

- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in business practices, partnerships, and team engagement. (All business travel expenses will be paid or reimbursed in full compliance with California state law and SB 642 requirements).

**PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS**

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit for up to 6 to 8 hours per day. The associate frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feet. Repetitive reaching, repetitive hand use. The associate is occasionally required to stand. The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Ghirardelli Associates is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

$130,000 to $210,000

- The wage range listed above is for this specific job posting and hire.

Strategic Business Development Lead

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