Business Development Lead - USA

At W.F. Baird, you’re part of a global team that values your voice, ideas, and growth. For 40+ years, we have combined the stability of an established and trusted firm with the creativity of a niche engineering company, working where water meets land to design and deliver solutions that protect coastlines, strengthen ports, restore ecosystems, and more. With offices across North America, the Caribbean, South America, and Australia, we offer global impact with a welcoming, people-first culture.

About the Role

Baird has an opportunity for a Business Development Lead with a background in engineering consulting and demonstrated business development experience in the coastal and marine environment across the State, Local, and Private sectors, including Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build delivery methods. In this seller-doer role, you will be actively involved in the technical delivery of projects while leading the identification, pursuit, and development of new business opportunities. This position offers flexibility and growth potential for individuals who value a collaborative work environment and are interested in driving business development for complex ocean, lake, and river projects. Baird also offers the potential for future ownership in the company—a long-term opportunity to help shape its future and share in its success.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development efforts by identifying, pursuing, and supporting new opportunities in coastal, marine, and water resources engineering.
• Partner with public and private clients to deliver thoughtful, high-quality coastal engineering solutions and build long-term relationships grounded in trust, collaboration, and results.
• Support and mentor junior staff, contributing to technical development and knowledge-sharing across coastal and marine project teams.
• Contribute to the growth of Baird’s capabilities and market presence regionally and nationally in coastal and marine structures, ports and navigation engineering, coastal risk and resilience analysis, hydrology and hydraulics, metocean analysis, and construction management.
• Actively stay informed on market trends, client needs, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to help position Baird as a leader in coastal engineering innovation.
• Represent Baird at industry events, conferences, and client meetings, supporting business planning efforts and alignment with organizational priorities.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering (M.S. or M. Eng preferred) in civil, ocean, coastal, or related area of experience applicable to engineering consulting from an accredited institution.
• Over 10 years of relevant experience, bringing a comprehensive business development background in engineering consulting focused in State, Local, and Private sectors.
• A proven track record of pursuing and securing projects, along with demonstrated project management skills—able to lead complex efforts, meet deadlines, and adjust to shifting scopes.
• Experience in engineering consulting and construction fields specific to where water meets land projects, with a genuine enthusiasm for marine and coastal engineering.
• Effective communication skills in English, both verbally and in writing, thriving in collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams under tight deadlines.
• A valid passport and willingness to travel 1–2 weeks every other month, both domestically and internationally.

This opportunity is not limited to the New York City Metro area. All qualified applicants will be considered, preferably on the East Coast.