Business Development Manager – Science & Technology

Job description

Celebrated as one of Minnesota's Top Workplaces! Knutson Construction is accepting applications for a Business Development Manager - Science & Technology to join our team!  

“Together We Make Dreams Real” – that is our purpose as a company and we exist to work in concert with each other, owners, design professionals and trade partners to make the journey as stress-free as possible.

Together, we've created a dynamic, fun, inspiring environment where we can be ourselves and grow each day. Knutson is deeply committed to cultivating and upholding diversity throughout our workforce, relationships, and communities.

We recognize the utmost importance of continually advancing our comprehension of diversity, equity, and inclusion as transformative forces within our work, industry, and company values.

At Knutson, opportunities to shine happen daily.

We value what makes you different and empower you to act on your ideas. 

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving growth within the science and technology market by researching, developing, and executing strategic business development plans.

This role focuses on building and strengthening transformative client relationships, identifying emerging opportunities, and positioning the company as a trusted partner for innovative science and technology projects.

This market includes, but is not limited to, sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research institutions, and advanced manufacturing.

The key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Business Development:

• Collaborates with the Director of Science & Technology to align business development strategies with market trends, client needs, and company goals.
• Defines and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) such as client acquisition rate, proposal win rate, and revenue growth from strategic accounts.
• Researches, identifies and executes strategic plans to develop new opportunities in Science & Technology market for growth opportunities.
• Determines business development objectives leading to more transformational and repeat client relationships and more direct select opportunities to meet Science & Technology market goals.
• Develops, implements, and constantly refines a Business Development Plan in partnership with the regional GM and other Company leadership.
• Measures and reports on key metrics that inform strategic decision-making and analysis.
• Establishes and maintains a network of clients, partners, and community contacts.
• Works closely with technical staff from marketing, project management, preconstruction, estimating and superintendents to develop proposals and scopes of work as an integrated team.
• Maintains a high profile in professional and community organizations and represents Knutson at the highest level to clients, peer organizations, and business associates.
• Builds and nurtures strong relationship plans with top clients and owners to position Knutson as a trusted partner on all projects within the Science & Technology market.
• Develops and leads winning strategies for top project pursuits identifying key Knutson differentiators, key Knutson staff, extensive knowledge of customer drivers and lead overall positioning to win the work.
• Effectively collaborates with project teams and seamlessly hands off opportunities at the right phase for successful proposal and bid opportunities.

Relationship Building + Client Management:

• Delivers The Knutson Experience and manages client satisfaction program for the Science & Technology market.
• Develops and maintains communication with key decision makers or centers of influence.
• Maintains the CRM database with quality information and activities on clients and key contacts, activities, pursuits, and opportunities.
• Supports project teams through various approaches/initiatives that build client and prospect relationships, and community visibility.
• Ensures CRM data is consistently updated with accurate, actionable insights to support forecasting, pipeline management, and strategic planning.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provides regular updates and strategic insights to the Director of Science & Technology to support market positioning and long-term planning.
• Collaborates with the marketing team, GM, and other decision-makers on go/no-go decisions in the Science & Technology market.
  
  
• Reviews RFPs to determine scope of work, key dates/deliverables, and roles/responsibilities
• Evaluates and proposes viable pursuits to the General Managers and Director of Science & Technology.
  
  
• Works with the General Managers or Director of Operations to identify project team and marketing resources.
  
  
• Leads the development of RFP responses, ensuring they align with client needs and expectations.
• Participates in interview preparation and process.
  
  
• Tracks and follows up on submitted proposals, providing timely responses to client questions and inquiries.
• Ability to work under the guidance of the Director of Science & Technology to set and achieve performance goals aligned with departmental objectives.
• Awareness of and ability to support client goals related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in project development and relationship management.
• Facilitates cross-functional collaboration with marketing, operations, and finance to ensure alignment on strategic initiatives and client engagement.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the construction/AEC industry.
• Knowledge of and skill in using a personal computer and related software including Microsoft Office, Adobe, and CRM.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  
  
• Skill of organizing and interpreting data to support recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to participate in community and industry events.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and build networks for business referrals.
• Ability to effectively create, offer, and present ideas and proposals in a presentation format.
• Ability to exhibit self-awareness and understand various audiences.
• Ability to work independently without on-site supervision.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to give attention to detail.
• Ability to travel to client and company offices and projects as needed, as well as to professional, developmental, networking, and industry-related events on occasion.
  
  
• Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of experience in business development, sales, marketing, or related roles preferred.
  
  

Minimum Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of experience in business development, sales, marketing, or related roles preferred.

Additional Benefits & Perks:

• Competitive Pay
• Performance Based Career Advancement
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time Off
• Life and Long-Term Disability Benefit with no premium cost to employee
• Mentorship Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Flex Fridays
• 401k w/Company Match
• Annual Discretionary Bonus Program
• Successful Annual Discretionary Profit-Sharing Program
• Paid Parental Leave

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Projected Minimum Base Salary per year $135,000

Projected Maximum Base Salary per year $190,000

Required Skill Profession

Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, And Sales Managers