Client relationship and business development manager

Client Relationship & Business Development Manager

Job Overview

The ideal candidate will have deep industry knowledge, a strong network, and the ability to identify opportunities, close deals, and drive revenue growth.

This role involves working closely with leadership, design teams, and key stakeholders to enhance market presence and secure high-value projects.

Key Responsibilities

Identify and cultivate relationships with developers, government departments and corporate stakeholders.

Represent GPM confidently in conversations with promoters, CEOs and senior client stakeholders, communicating the studio's capabilities and design philosophy.

Blends sales/growth (Business Development) with client retention (CRM) and financial follow-ups (payment collections/AR).

Managing client accounts, driving new revenue, ensuring service satisfaction, and following up on pending invoices or contract milestones.

Present the firm's capabilities and business development profile to prospective clients.

Drive end-to-end business development, from lead generation to contract negotiation and closure.

Work with internal teams to align branding, marketing, and design goals.

Represent the firm at industry events to enhance visibility and recognition.

Develop and implement strategies to expand our client portfolio in existing and new geographies.

Lead and coordinate a small business development team, drawing on cross-functional support from the communications team where required

Requirements

Bachelor's/Master's degree in Business Administration/Architecture or a related field.

12+ years of experience in business development, preferably in architecture, real estate, or construction.

Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing high-value projects.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Ability to collaborate across teams and foster industry partnerships.

Strategic mindset with a deep understanding of market trends and competitive landscapes.

Prior experience in architecture, interior design or another technically complex, project-based service industry.

Direct experience in a dedicated Business Development role, as opposed to an adjacent client-facing role.

Experience in preparing complex, documentation-heavy submissions, e.g. for public or institutional tenders. (desirable)