What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Development Leader position at GPD Group?
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEADER –COLUMBUS OFFICE
Join GPD Group, where our purpose is to improve the well-being of our employees, clients, communities, and business partners by transforming opportunities into success. We are passionate about the work we do and the relationships we build with clients. Our employee ownership structure fosters a non-hierarchical collaborative work environment, where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and creativity for the betterment of the organization and our clients. This structure also enables each associate to explore and expand their talents, reach their full potential, and deliver to the core traits that guide GPD Group and allow us to deliver successfully for our clients.
For more than 60 years, GPD Group has been providing architectural, engineering and planning services to clients across the United States. With a diverse team of over 800 professionals working in 14 offices, it’s our passion for our work and our commitment to our purpose that unites us.
GPD Group is currently seeking a Business Development Leader to join our Columbus team and drive growth in the architecture & engineering markets, specifically K-12 education & higher education with a secondary focus on private-sector clients across the region. This individual will lead the entire business development lifecycle—from prospecting, relationship development, and strategic pre-positioning to client acquisition, onboarding, and long-term relationship cultivation.
As a visible leader within our regional office, you will collaborate with senior technical staff and cross-functional teams to shape client solutions, align with market trends, and expand our presence in both public and institutional sectors. You will be empowered to create, implement, and manage growth strategies that align with our culture of entrepreneurial spirit, employee ownership, and commitment to long-term client success.
This is an immediate opening with high visibility and impact within our Columbus office.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead regional growth strategy for K-12, higher education, and public architecture and engineering markets in Central Ohio, with a focus on client acquisition and strategic positioning.
- Develop and implement targeted pursuit plans that include marketing campaigns, networking strategies, and proposal coordination.
- Collaborate with technical leadership and subject matter experts to develop compelling solutions aligned with client needs and project goals.
- Cultivate long-term relationships with key decision-makers, public agencies, and institutional clients by serving as a trusted advisor.
- Stay informed on market dynamics, funding mechanisms, bond initiatives, and educational trends to proactively identify new opportunities.
- Maintain a detailed understanding of GPD’s services and differentiate our value through storytelling, visuals, and customized messaging.
- Leverage market intelligence to guide GPD’s competitive market position and help gain valued differentiation to win new client opportunities and market growth.
- Manage the full sales cycle, from lead identification to contract negotiation, in alignment with company goals.
- Participate in regional industry organizations, conferences, and events to elevate brand presence and thought leadership.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Business, Marketing, or related field.
- 7 years of experience in business development within the A/E/C industry, preferably with a focus on public or institutional architecture.
- Proven ability to generate, pursue, and close opportunities in the education or industrial markets.
- Strong understanding of Ohio education funding cycles, public procurement processes, and political stakeholder environments is highly desirable.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain strategic client relationships and internal partnerships.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative—able to thrive in an entrepreneurial, decentralized environment.
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