Senior Business Development & Proposal Lead - AEC

Overview

A Visible, Relationship-Driven Presence in the AEC Community. QK is seeking an experienced Business Development professional who already knows the AEC world — and is known within it. This role works in close partnership with and supports QK’s Business Development Manager and Marketing team, expanding QK’s business development presence and execution in the Central Valley and surrounding markets. This role is for someone who thrives in relationship-driven environments, has an established and credible AEC network, and is energized by being active in the community.

You will work closely with QK’s Business Development Manager and Project Managers to strengthen client relationships, represent QK at industry events, and help create meaningful connections between clients, partners, and the QK team. If you are the type of professional who people recognize, trust, and call – and you know how to turn relationships into opportunity – this role is for you.

This is not a behind-the-scenes marketing role. This is a front-facing, relationship-first business development role that complements and supports QK’s broader seller-doer model.

• Maintain a visible presence in AEC circles and professional organizations
• Attend, host, and participate in industry events on behalf of QK
• Accompany and support Project Managers during client meetings and relationship-building visits
• Strengthen relationships with past, current, and future clients
• Intentionally connect QKers with clients and partners to deepen trust and collaboration
• Represent QK’s brand, values, and expertise in alignment with leadership, BD, and PM teams

You are a connector – helping translate relationships and market intelligence into well-positioned opportunities and strong pursuits.

• Maintain and grow a diverse, healthy network of AEC professionals, agencies, and partners
• Serve as a key Central Valley business development presence, working in partnership with the Business Development Manager
• Support opportunity identification and pursuit efforts aligned with QK’s strategic markets
• Focus on long-term relationship development rather than transactional wins

• Partner closely with the Business Development Manager and Project Managers to strategically support client retention and expansion
• Participate in client visits, interviews, and forward-looking conversations
• Help clients understand QK’s full range of services and how our teams deliver value

• Lead and produce complete, high-quality, winning proposals in partnership with Project Managers and technical teams
• Collaborate with the BD Manager to translate market intelligence, client insights, and relationship knowledge into compelling pursuit strategies and proposal positioning
• Coordinate proposal development from prepositioning through submission, including content development, reviews, and compliance
• Prepare teams for interviews by supporting messaging, positioning, and presentation development
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of what makes proposals competitive and how decision-makers evaluate firms, with the ability to translate that understanding to technical and administrative staff

• Support the Business Development Manager and Marketing team by sharing market intelligence, coordinating pursuits, and aligning messaging across business development and proposal efforts
• Create intentional connections between QK staff and clients to support seller-doer efforts
• Collaborate closely with the Business Development Manager, marketing, leadership, and technical teams

• Minimum 4 years’ experience writing or contributing to AEC proposals
• Proven experience in AEC business development, client relations, or a closely related role
• An existing, active network within the AEC industry
• Strong understanding of public and private sector pursuits
• Comfort representing a firm publicly and professionally

• Credible, confident, and relationship-driven
• Comfortable being “boots on the ground” — events, meetings, and…