Director of Business Development, Trenchless Construction

Director of Business Development, Trenchless Construction Position Overview

We are seeking a highly driven and entrepreneurial Business Development / Sales Leader to establish and scale a new trenchless construction division across North America for a Europe-based global industry leader contractor
. This role is responsible for identifying market opportunities, building strategic relationships, and driving revenue growth in trenchless technologies such as microtunneling, pipe jacking, and Direct Pipe.

This is a build-from-the-ground-up opportunity, ideal for a candidate with deep industry connections, technical understanding, and a strong commercial mindset. The Company has already a well-established operation in the ground engineering and construction space across the Eastern US.

• Lead the go-to-market strategy for trenchless services across targeted regions in North America
• Identify high-value opportunities in municipal, utility, DOT, energy, and private infrastructure sectors
• Develop short- and long-term sales forecasts, market penetration strategies, and growth plans
• Track industry trends, competitors, and emerging technologies in trenchless construction

• Generate new business through direct sales efforts, relationship-building, and strategic partnerships
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of projects (public and private)
• Lead contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and deal structuring
• Collaborate with engineering, estimating and operations teams to develop competitive bids and proposals

• Build relationships with:
• Municipal engineers and asset owners
• Consulting engineers and design firms
• General contractors and specialty subcontractors
• Equipment manufacturers and suppliers
• Represent the company at industry associations (e.g., NASTT, PLCA, regional conferences)

• Support hiring, teaming strategies, and geographic expansion planning
• Assist in defining service offerings
• Provide input on equipment, materials, and vendor selection
• Help establish operational partnerships and subcontractor networks

• 7–15+ years of experience in trenchless construction, underground utilities, or related markets. Reports directly to the US executive team in close coordination with the European engineering and operational team
• Proven track record in business development, sales, project acquisition and/or execution
• Background in one or more of the following:
• Engineering/design firm specializing in underground infrastructure
• Established network within the North American trenchless or underground infrastructure industry

• Strong understanding of trenchless technologies engineering, design and execution, including:
• Direct Pipe
• Subsurface conditions and constructability considerations
• Ability to interpret plans, specs, and geotechnical reports

• Hunter mentality with strong closing skills
• Strategic thinker with entrepreneurial mindset
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to bridge technical and commercial conversations
• Self-starter capable of operating with high autonomy

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Underground sciences, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience launching or expanding a new geographic market or service line
• Familiarity with public procurement processes (RFPs, RFQs, bid-build/design-build)
• Knowledge of trenchless industry standards and associations (NASTT, ASTM,..)

• Willingness to travel 30–60% across North America to meet clients and attend industry events. Occasional travel to Europe.

• Competitive base salary + performance-based bonus/commission
• Potential for…