Description
Summary:
Development One Architects seeks a hands-on Business Development Manager to drive growth through strategic partnerships and pipeline management in mission-critical sectors.
Highlights:
1. Hands-on role with significant ownership and direct visibility to the Principal.
2. Opportunity to build long-term client partnerships grounded in technical rigor.
3. Work with a lean, high-performance practice in high-growth sectors.
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.