Business Developer - Construction (NW Arkansas)

Building What’s Next in Northwest Arkansas

Founded in 2010, Centric has grown into one of the most recognized general contractors in Kansas City, serving the workplace, retail, healthcare, non-profit, public sector, industrial, hospitality, multi-family, and residential markets. From our home in downtown Kansas City, we’ve grown to 165 associates and $230 million in revenue — while staying rooted in our mission to build cool places to live, work, and play.

Now, we’re bringing that same energy to Northwest Arkansas.

As Centric expands into NWA, we’re looking for a relationship builder, market maker, and brand carrier who can introduce Centric to a new community the right way: with curiosity, hustle, follow-through, and a genuine desire to be part of the civic and business fabric of the region. This role is about getting out in the market, creating connections, building trust, identifying the right projects and partners, and helping Centric grow with intention.

Who We’re Looking For

This is a business development role, but not the kind where you inherit a warm desk, a long list of leads, or a playbook with every answer already written. We’re looking for a self-starter, connector, and civic-minded relationship builder who can become the face of Centric in a new market.

You’ll be our boots on the ground in NWA: meeting people, creating opportunities, representing our brand, and helping us understand where Centric can add the most value. The right person will have the energy to work a room, the discipline to manage a pipeline, the confidence to operate independently, and the humility to listen before selling.

We want someone who is equally comfortable grabbing coffee with a developer, attending a chamber event, walking a jobsite, logging CRM notes, hosting a client, or traveling to Kansas City to stay connected with the broader Centric team.

If you’re entrepreneurial, organized, community-minded, highly relational, and excited by the challenge of helping build something from the ground up, this could be your lane.

Position Objective

The Business Developer will represent Centric in pursuing private and publicly funded construction and development projects in Northwest Arkansas, the greater Kansas City region, and other identified markets as needed. The Business Developer is a key position on the "Get Work" team that leads business development and marketing efforts.

Essential Job Functions

Planning Strategy

• Conduct special research and analyze economic development program activities
• Create and maintain a list of local businesses, developers, architects and other industry partners to be contacted for a business communication program
• Complete a client needs assessment – figure out the correct message and the right way to communicate it before the pitch is made to a prospective client
• Develop and maintain a strong industry network; actively participate in industry and civic organizations to promote corporate citizenship
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market conditions, trends, and political environments within Centric’s target markets.

Marketing Functions

• In conjunction with leadership, develop and implement marketing strategies to secure privately and publicly funded construction projects within Centric’s target markets.
• Strategically identify and recommend meaningful sponsorships and charitable giving opportunities
• Identify new opportunities for advertising Centric
• Provide assistance to marketing during proposal preparation

Sales Functions

• Pursue and coordinate community growth projects
• Establish, develop, and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, local business owners, and the general public
• Identify opportunities to perform additional business with existing clients
• Use contacts and experience to identify and source local partners to create opportunities to successfully win strategic projects
• Identify prospective clients and develop plans to cultivate new relationships
• Support the pre-construction team with RFQs, RFPs and interviews

Operational Functions

• Facilitate client turnover to operations associates and assist with project negotiations
• Maintain relationships throughout projects to ensure we are continually meeting client needs
• Communicate internally and externally during all stages of project development with the preconstruction and project management teams
• Develop and maintain in-depth relationships with all members of Centric leadership
• Follow operational best practices

Qualifications and Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; emphasis in construction science, architecture, engineering, public relations, real estate, or a related field preferred
• Five or more years of experience with a major company or division of a large corporation in the construction industry or related field preferred
• Experience in a relationship-building, client-facing, business development, or sales role preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Shows excellent communication skills, both in writing and face-to-face
• Ability to gather, collate, and analyze a variety of data
• Demonstrated ability to think ahead and plan over a two-to-three-year time span
• Working understanding of blueprints, codes, statistics, technical sketches, and graphics
• Thorough understanding of program research, development, and implementation techniques
• Thorough understanding of agencies and programs related to federal economic and urban development
• Thorough understanding of economic development principles and practices
• Utilizes a professional and engaging demeanor with coworkers, external partners, and clients
• Strong ability to build relationships and influence others into action
• Maintain composure and professionalism in difficult situations and effectively resolve conflicts without escalating tension

Superior Benefits Package

• Unlimited PTO
• 100% Employee-owned!
• One month Sabbatical after seven years of continuous service
• Affordable, quality medical, dental, and vision insurance
• HSA with company match
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Company provided laptop and cell phone
• 401k plan with company contributions
• 529e college savings plan with company contributions
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan repayment assistance

Centric is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.