Vice President of Business Development

Overview

Pophouse is seeking a Vice President of Business Development to lead revenue growth and expand client relationships within the commercial real estate and design ecosystem. This senior leadership role is responsible for building trusted partnerships with developers, owners, occupiers, brokers, and institutional clients, and converting those relationships into long-term, repeat business. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in commercial real estate and/or design services and understands how to navigate complex projects, long sales cycles, and relationship-driven growth.

This role will serve as a key external face of Pophouse in the Detroit market and beyond.

• Drive new business with commercial developers, owners, CEOs, and real estate investors
• Build and manage a strategic pipeline that supports sustainable, long-term revenue growth
• Lead pursuits from early relationship-building through contract execution

• Cultivate relationships with developers, landlords, brokers, asset managers, and capital partners
• Position Pophouse as a strategic design partner across workplace, mixed-use, multifamily, hospitality, and other commercial sectors
• Generate repeat work by deepening relationships with existing clients
• Work closely with studio leadership, project teams, and marketing to ensure a cohesive client experience
• Represent Pophouse at industry events, real estate forums, and civic initiatives

• Partner with the President and senior leadership to define go-to-market strategy for key real estate sectors and client types
• Track market trends including development cycles, capital markets activity, and tenant demand to inform business development efforts
• Provide insight on how design can drive asset value, leasing performance, and long-term flexibility
• Lead proposal strategy, interview preparation, and client presentations
• Collaborate with design and project teams to align vision, scope, and value proposition
• Support contract negotiations and fee discussions

• 10+ years of business development or client leadership experience in commercial real estate, architecture, interior design, or related professional services
• Strong understanding of real estate development, leasing, and owner-occupier decision making
• Established network within the Detroit commercial real estate and design community (regional or national experience a plus)
• Proven ability to drive revenue through relationship-based selling
• Executive presence with the ability to build trust with senior-level leadership teams
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills
• Strategic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial mindset

• Measurable growth in Pophouse’s client base and project revenue across target markets
• Expanded visibility and reputation of Pophouse both locally in Detroit and nationally
• Strong partnerships with key industry players driving a steady pipeline of opportunities
• Expansion of Pophouse’s project portfolio with repeat clients and new high-value engagements driven by the firm’s reputation for design excellence
• Consistent delivery of projects that exceed client expectations in design quality, innovation, and experiences, resulting in strong referrals and ongoing partnerships