Business Development Manager
Development One Architects
Fullerton, CA | Full-Time | In-Person
Mission-Critical Architecture | Aviation & Aerospace | Federal & Institutional | Warehousing/Distribution | Solid Waste | Data Centers
About Development One Architects
Development One Architects is a specialized architecture firm with over three decades of experience delivering mission-critical facilities across the aviation and aerospace, warehousing/distribution, solid waste, data center, and federal and institutional sectors. Operating from offices in Fullerton, CA and Edmonds, WA, we bring a disciplined, relationship-driven approach to every engagement — building long-term client partnerships grounded in technical rigor and a zero-litigation track record.
We are a lean, high-performance practice now seeking a Business Development Manager to help accelerate our next phase of growth.
The Opportunity
This is a hands-on business development role for a motivated professional who thrives on building relationships and owning a pipeline. You will serve as the firm’s primary BD practitioner — cultivating strategic partnerships, representing Development One at key industry events, and ensuring a steady flow of qualified opportunities. You will collaborate closely with our in-house marketing lead on proposals and client-facing materials, with natural overlap between the two functions.
This role carries significant ownership and direct visibility to the Principal. It is a position for someone who wants to be known inside the firm for the work they bring in.
Key Responsibilities
Pipeline & CRM Management
- Own and maintain the firm’s CRM platform — tracking leads, opportunities, follow-up cadences, and relationship history
- Prepare regular BD activity reports and pipeline updates for Principal review
Networking & Conference Representation
- Represent Development One at targeted industry events including NBAA, SAME, and sector-specific forums
- Develop and maintain an annual conference and event calendar aligned with the firm’s target markets
- Build and sustain a personal network of contacts across the federal, aviation, data center, and broader AEC communities
Strategic Partnerships
- Identify and cultivate teaming relationships with general contractors, design-build firms, developers, and consultants active in our sectors
- Pursue DBIA membership and actively seek design-build teaming opportunities
- Develop structured referral systems and maintain a network of contacts who generate repeat client introductions
Qualifications
Required
- 5–8 years of business development, client relations, or strategic partnerships experience
- Background in AEC, federal contracting, aviation/aerospace, defense, or a closely adjacent field is a plus
- Demonstrated track record of building relationships that result in new project work
- Comfortable and confident representing the firm at conferences, events, and client meetings
- Proficiency with CRM platforms and pipeline management disciplines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; polished and professional in client-facing settings
Preferred
- Existing relationships within the aviation, data center, or federal/institutional project communities
- Experience working in or alongside an architecture, engineering, or construction firm
- Active involvement with SAME, NBAA, DBIA, or related professional organizations
Compensation & Benefits
Development One Architects offers a competitive compensation package structured to reward initiative and results:
- Base salary range: $80,000 – $110,000 depending on experience and demonstrated BD track record
- Annual performance bonus tied to pipeline growth, new client wins, and partnership milestones
- Health benefits and PTO package
- Professional development support, including conference attendance and relevant membership dues
- Direct mentorship from and access to the firm’s Principal
Why Development One
- Technically complex, meaningful work in mission-critical sectors with long project lifecycles
- A 35-year track record, zero litigation, and deep client loyalty — a strong foundation to build BD upon
- Lean team where your contributions are visible and your wins are recognized
- Established presence in high-growth sectors: data centers, federal facilities, and aviation infrastructure
- A Principal who is active in client relationships and personally invested in the success of this role
To apply, submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your most relevant BD experience.
