Director, Business Development

Brief Description

Russell is a professional services firm providing construction and development services across the Midwest. Since its inception in 1983, Russell’s culture promotes a collaborative work environment that strives to exceed our clients’ expectations and provide life‑time career opportunities for our professionals.

Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, with offices in St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri and Overland Park, Kansas, Russell has delivered more than $7 billion in projects across 34 states. We remain a market leader in our core markets, including new construction and complex additions and renovations.

At Russell, we are creating more than a project—we are building great people, relationships, and communities.

The number one response we receive when we ask our team members what they like about Russell is the culture. Russell team members describe working here as being more flexible than any place they’ve ever worked. They feel supported and support each other. They have fun. They are empowered to get their work done how they see fit. And most of all, they know they can continue their careers here because of the rich development tools available to them.

Life at Russell is full of opportunities.

The Director of Business Development is responsible for driving new business opportunities, cultivating long‑term client relationships, and ensuring alignment between business development, preconstruction, and operations teams in all markets but with particular focus on manufacturing and industrial sectors. The Director serves as a key ambassador for the company’s value proposition, ensuring consistent messaging and market differentiation.

• Lead Generation & Market Development

  Identify and pursue project opportunities through proactive networking, industry engagement, and strategic partnerships.

  Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified leads aligned with company growth objectives.

• Value Proposition Creation & Communication

  Define and articulate the company’s capabilities and differentiators. Collaborate with marketing and strategy teams to develop compelling proposals, presentations, and thought leadership content.

• Key Account Management

  Build and nurture relationships with key clients to secure repeat business and expand market share. Serve as the primary point of contact for strategic accounts, ensuring exceptional client experience and satisfaction.

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  Partner with preconstruction and operations teams to ensure seamless project delivery and alignment with client expectations. Provide market intelligence and feedback to inform pricing strategies, resource planning, and operational readiness.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in business development within construction, particularly in the manufacturing and industrial market sectors
• Proven track record of securing large‑scale projects and managing strategic accounts
• Strong understanding of construction processes, preconstruction planning, and operational execution in construction
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills
• Position requires approximately 20% travel

• Annual revenue growth in various market sectors.
• Pipeline development and conversion rates.
• Client satisfaction and repeat business metrics.
• Contribution to strategic initiatives and market positioning.