Business Development Manager in Anaheim, California at PBK Architects

Are you passionate about driving growth and forging strategic partnerships in the dynamic landscape of architectural and engineering services? Here's an exciting opportunity to join the premier architectural and engineering firm in the field of education. As the number one firm in educational projects, we are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Business Development Manager to spearhead our expansion efforts and elevate our presence in this vital sector.

PBK stands at the forefront of innovation and excellence in architectural and engineering solutions. With a stellar reputation built on decades of expertise, we have consistently delivered cutting-edge designs that redefine the educational landscape. From state-of-the-art campuses to sustainable infrastructure, we lead the industry with our commitment to quality, creativity, and client satisfaction.

Position Overview:

As the Business Development Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving our growth strategy within the education sector. Leveraging your expertise in business development and industry insights, you will identify new opportunities, cultivate relationships, and collaborate closely with internal teams to deliver tailored solutions that exceed client expectations.

Your Impact:

• Regional Strategy & Market Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive regional strategic business plan focused on expanding PBK’s presence across the TK-12 and Higher Education sectors throughout California.
• Market Analysis: Conduct in-depth research and analysis of the education sector, including market trends, competitor activities, emerging opportunities, and evolving educational priorities to inform strategic decision-making.
• Business Development & Account Growth: Lead growth strategies for both existing and new accounts, expanding market share, strengthening client retention, and maximizing revenue opportunities within the education segment.
• Client Engagement: Build and nurture strong relationships with key stakeholders, including school districts, higher education institutions, government agencies, industry partners, and institutional decision-makers across California.
• Proposal Development & Strategic Pursuits: Lead the preparation of compelling proposals, presentations, interviews, capture plans, and pursuit strategies tailored to the unique needs of educational clients, including go/no-go decision-making and teaming strategies.
• Regional Oversight: Oversee and manage business development operations, strategic pursuits, and high-level client relationships throughout California, ensuring alignment with regional growth objectives.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including architects, engineers, project managers, marketing professionals, and executive leadership to develop innovative solutions and deliver exceptional projects.
• Talent Development: Partner with leadership on strategic hiring, succession planning, mentorship, and professional development initiatives to strengthen PBK’s regional leadership bench and support long-term growth.
• Thought Leadership: Advance PBK’s position as a premier education design firm through industry insights, educational trends, sustainability initiatives, campus innovation, and participation in conferences, panels, and community events.
• Networking: Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to enhance PBK’s visibility, cultivate strategic partnerships, and expand the firm’s influence within the California education market.

Here's What You'll Need:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in TK-12 and Higher Education business development, market leadership, or practice leadership roles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with demonstrated expertise in Salesforce, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Graphic design experience using Adobe Creative Suite software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Proven track record of leading and growing a high-impact education practice, winning major pursuits, expanding institutional accounts, and driving measurable business growth.
• Deep understanding of the education sector, including its challenges, regulations, procurement processes, and trends affecting TK-12 and Higher Education environments.
• Extensive established network of relationships with school districts, community college districts, public and private universities, and other education stakeholders throughout California.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence executive-level decision-makers and serve as a trusted advisor.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify market opportunities, develop long-term growth strategies, and drive sustainable business results.
• Growth-oriented leadership mindset with demonstrated experience building high-performing teams, mentoring future leaders, and balancing market vision with execution.
• Active architectural licensure or equivalent industry-recognized credentials preferred.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Anaheim, California area.

Here’s How You’ll Stand Out:

• 20+ years of experience within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) industry, with a focus on TK-12 and Higher Education markets.
• Demonstrated success leading regional growth initiatives across California and building lasting relationships with educational institutions and public-sector stakeholders.
• Recognized industry thought leader with experience speaking at conferences, serving on advisory boards, or contributing to education-focused initiatives.

The actual offered base salary for California locations will vary depending on factors such as individual qualifications, education, experience, skills, job-related knowledge, work location, and internal equity. We would not anticipate that the individual hired into this role will be at or near the top half of the range provided, but the decision will be dependent on the factors of each individual case. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation in the form of discretionary bonuses in addition to base salary and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits. The salary range for this position is below.

PBK is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants can be considered for an opportunity without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, criminal history, or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity in all phases of employment in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

At PBK, the most accomplished and passionate architects, engineers, and thought leaders are working together to shape the future. We encourage our team to adopt an entrepreneurial approach to professional growth; there are no limits to what one can do or become at PBK. Our culture empowers our people to explore their interests, try new things, and create their own path to success – however they may define it.

We recognize the value of work-life balance and believe in rewarding our employees’ hard work. We offer alternative work scheduling to allow employees greater flexibility, monthly happy hours and regular team outings, additional time off between Christmas and New Year’s, an Employee Assistance Program that supports each individual’s needs, and so much more!

• Additional PTO between Christmas and New Years
• Your birthday off
• Community involvement through recreation & service
• Hybrid schedule & remote work options
• Flexible "dress for your day" policy
• Paid parental leave for birth or adoption
• Firm covers employee healthcare premiums
• 401(k) program
• Costco / Sam's Club membership
• $4,000 license bonus
• Dynamic company with quick advancement
• Online professional licensure exam prep library
• Opportunities to work on a variety of project types
• Weekly continuing education lunch & learn sessions