Strategy & Development Leader - Crime Lab Design

WHAT WE DO:

HED delivers leading design services across multiple sectors, including Science & Technology (S&T) and our internationally recognized forensic science practice, Crime Lab Design (CLD). This Strategy & Development Leader will support business development efforts for both the HED Science & Technology sector and CLD, helping to advance firmwide growth initiatives while stewarding relationships across two highly aligned but distinct practice groups. This role requires the ability to navigate and integrate the business development needs of both organizations, ensuring coordinated pursuit strategy, client management, and market positioning across the full spectrum of science, technology, and forensic facility work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Conduct business development efforts and lead high-value pursuits in coordinating with the Science & Technology and Crime Lab Design sector team(s) and sector leadership. This role is responsible for identifying prospects, performing market research, and contributing to pursuit strategy and proposal development across both HED and CLD. The Strategy & Development Leader will drive revenue growth by fostering strong client and industry relationships and by helping integrate strategic initiatives across the two organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement sales growth strategies that align with the goals of both HED and CLD sector leadership
• Manage and expand key client accounts across HED S&T and CLD, serving as the initial point of contact
• Refine the market strategy, sector analysis, and competitive intelligence on behalf of sector leaders and the business development team
• Assist in mentoring technical professionals, sector leaders, and others in the business development process
• Develop the strategies for Target Account Planning and manage the Client Intimacy program for each key account in coordination with the sector business leader(s)
• Track client contacts, identify key decision makers, introduce Firm capabilities and identify potential service opportunities
• Participate in and lead the strategy for initial client meetings, presentations, and sales pitches
• Assist in translating and customizing the firm brand strategy into coherent external sales messaging
• Lead and manage sales and business development initiatives
• Attend industry events and participate in networking and relationship-building
• Enhance the profile and presence of the HED and CLD brands in the marketplace
• Engage in market analysis and competitive intelligence on behalf of sector leaders and the business development team
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and sales pitches
• Lead in the preparation of proposals and interview pitches and assist the marketing team with response strategy
• Serve as the trusted advisor to Business Leaders and Sector Leaders
• Have a deep understanding of the company's services and client needs
• Diligence and proficiency in CRM and sales tools
• Initiate, develop and track client contacts, identify key decision makers, introduce Firm capabilities and identify potential service opportunities
• Manage the client development process by providing information, promotional materials and advice to potential clients, and act as liaison for the Firm
• Lead in populating and maintaining CRM database for opportunities, pursuits and client contacts
• Perform additional assignments as directed by the Business Leaders and Sector Leaders

SKILLS:

• Leadership, Team, and Client management skills
• Advanced insight into market and competitive landscape to provide and strategic marketing consultation to the sectors
• Ability to make data driven sales decisions utilizing business development KPIs in coordination with sector leadership
• Strategic thinking and ability to align solutions with client needs
• Understanding of key sales performance metrics and reporting
• Networking and relationship-building ability

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or Engineering, Marketing, Business or Communications or a minimum of five to ten years of equivalent sales experience
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and diverse teams in a fast-paced environment
• Very detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic and flexible
• Ability to interact well in various business and social settings with all types of people in a mature and professional manner
• Ability to represent HED and CLD at professional conferences and other industry events
• Computer literate in general office applications
• Excellent writing and speaking skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person
• Ability to attend after-hours business functions and conferences
• Ability to travel to other company locations, client sites, or out-of-town events up to 50% of the time