Vice President of Business Development - Life Sciences

Who We Are:

Bennett & Pless is a growing Structural Engineering Consulting firm with a 60-year track record of being one of the leading firms in the Southeast in the niche markets we practice. We have been nominated 6 consecutive years in a row as a best firm to work for and have offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Dallas, Knoxville, Loudoun, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, and Sarasota. Our projects range in scope from simple site inspections to the design of a new facility, and we work at each stage – feasibility studies, conceptual design, detailed design, and construction administration. Together, our 10 offices have created an energized engineering powerhouse offering enhanced capabilities to our ever-growing client base.

What You Will Do:

We are seeking a Vice President of Business Development (Life Sciences) to join our growing team. This is a key leadership role focused on driving revenue growth, expanding strategic partnerships, and strengthening the firm’s market position in the life sciences sector. Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer (CGO), this role is responsible for identifying and securing new business opportunities while fostering relationships with key industry partners, including architects, contractors, design-builders, developers, MEP firms, and owners. The VP will work closely with Market Sector Leaders (MSLs), technical teams, and marketing professionals to execute business development strategies that align with the firm’s long-term growth objectives.

Business Development & Market Expansion

• Develop and execute a strategic business development plan to grow the firm's presence in the life sciences sector.
• Identify target owner / developer opportunities and position the firm to secure engineering projects, either directly or through partners.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key decision-makers, including architects, contractors, design-builders, developers, MEP firms, and owners.
• Monitor market trends, competitive positioning, and industry demand to inform business strategies.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance visibility and credibility.
• Generate leads and identify proposal opportunities that lead to the firm securing new projects.
• Ensure that business development efforts align with the firm’s overall growth strategy and revenue objectives.

Strategic Partner Network Development

• Build and strengthen the firm’s network of partner firms and other key industry collaborators.
• Identify strategic alliance opportunities that enhance the firm’s competitive position in the market.
• Facilitate introductions and collaboration between internal project teams and external partners to pursue and secure projects.

Client Relationship Management

• Lead client engagement efforts, ensuring proactive and consistent communication with new and existing clients.
• Support technical teams in translating client needs into project opportunities.
• Maintain and track client interactions, opportunities, proposals, and similar business development efforts in CRM tools.

Proposal & Sales Support

• Collaborate with marketing, project management, and technical teams to develop sector-specific sales enablement materials.
• Support the proposal process by working with internal teams to secure new projects through targeted, value priced proposals.

Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis

• Conduct ongoing research to identify market trends, investment patterns, and emerging technologies.
• Analyze competitors’ strategies and help position the firm’s services to differentiate in the market.
• Provide leadership with data-driven insights to refine strategies.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with Market Sector Leaders (MSLs) and technical teams to align business development initiatives with operational capabilities.
• Serve as a mentor and resource for junior business development professionals and seller-doers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with the marketing team to develop thought leadership initiatives, sector-specific campaigns, and client outreach strategies.

What We Are Looking For:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field;
• 10 years of experience in business development, sales, or client relationship management within the life sciences / AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sectors.
• Proven track record of securing and growing major life sciences client accounts.
• Strong understanding of life sciences design, construction, and structural engineering principles.
• Exceptional negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Experience developing and managing partner networks.

Preferred Characteristics

• Established network of contacts within the life sciences industry, including owners, developers, architects, other design firms and contractors.
• Highly motivated, results-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution, driving both short-term wins and long-term growth.
• A collaborative leader, skilled at influencing internal and external stakeholders.

What We Offer:

At Bennett & Pless, our vision is to be a place where employees thrive. We are a growing firm committed to empowering employees without sacrificing work/life balance. Our culture is the center of making us who we are, and it is our priority to make employees feel accepted and valued.

As a firm, we are highly supportive of the development of our employees. Every year, we kick off Career Development Planning where employees create tailored development goals. Goals are regularly assessed throughout the year to allow employees to advance towards their career growth objectives.

We have an employee-focused benefits package that includes:

• Company-paid medical, dental and vision coverage for the employee
• Health savings and flex spending accounts
• Group short-term & long-term disability; life and a&d insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• 401(k) matching
• Monthly wellbeing allowance
• Paid time off & paid holidays
• Flexible schedules, including summer hours
• Company retreat

If you are interested in a place where you can thrive and make a career at Bennett & Pless, come join our unique culture!

Bennett & Pless is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.