Job Description
The Business Development Representative is responsible for generating new business opportunities and cultivating long-term client relationships across CDC's Central North Carolina through Upstate South Carolina territory. This role focuses on building the kind of trusted relationships that lead to referral-based, right-fit project opportunities. The ideal candidate is a self-directed relationship builder who understands the civil site development process and is comfortable representing CDC in the field with developers, contractors, municipal staff, and other industry partners across a substantial travel territory. This position reports directly to the Vice President and works closely with CDC's project management and technical teams to ensure new opportunities are the right fit for the firm.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This is a hybrid/remote position for applicants based in the Asheville area, with regular independent travel by personal or company vehicle throughout Western & Central North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. The role requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods during travel and client visits, and occasionally to visit active development or construction sites, which may require appropriate footwear and adherence to site safety requirements.
Responsibilities
* Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with developers, land owners, contractors, brokers, and other referral sources across the assigned territory.
* Represent CDC at industry events, association meetings, municipal functions, and other in-person opportunities to build the firm's regional network.
* Qualify incoming and self-sourced opportunities, ensuring prospective projects are a strong fit for CDC's services, capacity, and target client profile.
* Maintain a working understanding of the civil site development process (due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and construction phases) well enough to speak credibly with prospects and identify where CDC adds value.
* Coordinate with the Vice President and project teams to hand off qualified opportunities smoothly, ensuring accurate scoping and realistic expectations are set with the client from the outset.
* Track pipeline activity, relationship touchpoints, and territory coverage using CDC's CRM or business development tracking tools; report regularly on pipeline status and market intelligence.
* Monitor regional market activity, competitor presence, and development trends across the Central NC to Upstate SC corridor to inform CDC's growth strategy.
* Support proposal development and client presentations as needed, working with technical and administrative staff to represent CDC's capabilities accurately.
* Maintain regular travel throughout the territory (up to 75%) to build and sustain in-person relationships; travel outside the core territory may occasionally be required for industry events or firm-wide meetings.
Qualifications
Required:
* 3+ years of business development, sales, or client relationship experience, ideally within civil engineering, land development, construction, or a related AEC industry.
* Demonstrated ability to build genuine, long-term relationships rather than transactional, one-time sales.
* Comfortable working independently in a hybrid/remote structure with significant solo travel across a multi-state territory.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent CDC professionally to clients, municipal staff, and industry partners.
* Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 75% of the time, including occasional overnight travel.
* Proficiency with CRM tools, Microsoft Office, and general business communication software.
Preferred:
* Existing network of relationships with developers, contractors, or municipal contacts within the Central NC to Upstate SC corridor.
* Working knowledge of the land development or civil engineering process, permitting, or municipal approval workflows.
* Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, engineering, construction management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.