Business Development Lead

The Gulf Coast's future lies at the intersection of its rich natural resources, powerful energy corridor, and globally connected ports. As climate pressures, regulatory shifts, and community expectations accelerate, the state has a unique opportunity to lead the way in environmental innovation.

By reimagining how industries adapt and grow, we can transform challenges into catalysts—strengthening the resilience of coastal communities, unlocking sustainable energy pathways, and protecting the wetlands that define Louisiana’s identity.

With deep local knowledge and a global network of expertise, we help position Louisiana’s industries to not only compete, but to set the standard for environmental leadership and economic growth in the decades ahead.

You’ll be able to apply our powerful global network of skills and decades of experience to build positive Client outcomes.

Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Who are we looking for?   

In response to steady growth within our Market Team, our Central Region Market group is looking to bring onboard a motivated Business Development Lead to oversee the expansion of GHD’s presence in the Gulf Coast. As a Client Relationship Manager, you will be a seller/doer, leading GHD pursuits of traditional and collaborative delivery projects for public / private clients. To better serve our clients and foster collaboration, this position will be based in our Houston or Baton Rouge office.

Come plan and implement sales to specific, existing major accounts where growing relationships, identifying opportunities, and utilizing account management skills are critical. The role requires full knowledge of Gulf Coast petrochemical industries, along with a strong understanding of the client's objectives and challenges. 

 In an ever-changing world, it requires creativity and innovation to stay ahead.

We’re seeking the curious, those who are stimulated by fresh thinking and a desire to shape our communities in new, positive ways. As part of a truly global team, working on complex and rewarding projects, you'll be at the forefront of driving change.     

 See what the power of commitment can do for you. 

 Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of duties and will see you involved in: 

• Key Account Management: Manage and develop important client relationships with guidance from senior colleagues, and/or manage an account team delivering day-to-day support. Clients are likely to include energy sector, ports, and the like. 
• Client Relationship Management / Account Management: Develop and implement relationship management plans for complex client accounts to identify and build relationships with relevant decision-makers and influencers within the client organization and to enable effective two-way flow of information and resolution of issues. Manage ongoing relationships with identified client recommendations for changes based on client input. 
• Client Needs Clarification: Set clear objectives for each sales call or meeting; tailor standard materials to make presentations to decision-makers and influencers within the client organization; and ask relevant questions to gather information, to evaluate the client's level of interest, and to identify and respond to areas requiring further information or explanation. 
• Sell Client Propositions: Use personal expertise to identify the complex standard services offered by the organization that meet the client's needs. Present these to the client with a clear rationale and at standard commercial terms, referring to senior colleagues where necessary to ask for concessions (e.g., price negotiation) that gain the client's agreement. 
• Promoting Client Focus: Collaborate internally and work as the client champion in cross-functional teams to build strong external client relationships. 
• Client Relationship Development / Prospecting: Develop and implement a relationship management plan for potential client accounts to identify and build relationships with relevant decision-makers and influencers within the client organization and to enable effective two-way flow of information and resolution of issues. 
• Client Relationship Management (CRM) Data: Enter client information that has been gathered through research and/or through direct client contact into the CRM system, to ensure that the organization has quality data to enable effective client retention and business development activities. Or ensure that team members maintain up-to-date CRM data, identifying and resolving issues. 
• Sales Opportunities Creation: Develop a personal network within the sales territory and represent the organization at trade shows and other events to identify sales opportunities, promote the organization, and enhance its reputation. 
• Operational Compliance: Maintain and renew a deep knowledge and understanding of the organization's policies and procedures and of relevant regulatory codes and codes of conduct, and ensure own work adheres to required standards. Or identify, within the team, patterns of noncompliance with the organization's policies and procedures and with relevant regulatory codes and codes of conduct, taking appropriate action to report and resolve these and escalating issues as appropriate. 
• Personal Capability Building: Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential. Maintain an in-depth understanding of technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media. 

 What you will bring to the team:

• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or similar.
• Knowledge of key industries (energy, petrochemical, shipping/ports, manufacturing, and agriculture) and their drivers.
• Experience in client engagement and business development, with a track record of building relationships across government, industry, and community stakeholders.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulations (TCEQ, LDEQ, USACE, EPA, FERC, DOE, etc.).
• Proven ability to develop and execute market strategies.
• A Seller/Doer with strong business development, proposal preparation and marketing skills.

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As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.