Business Development Manager

Outside Sales / Business Development Lead

About Paradigm

Paradigm Construction is a respected and steadily growing commercial general contractor known for dependable service, high-quality work, and long-term client relationships across Greater Houston. We operate with integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to serving our core markets — churches, private and charter schools, and nonprofit organizations. As we continue to grow, we are also expanding our presence in commercial and medical sectors while staying true to our relational foundation.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Outside Sales / Business Development Lead to strengthen Paradigm's visibility and relationships across our core markets while helping us grow strategically into commercial and medical sectors. This role is hands-on and focused on direct business development. It is not a management position today, but it offers high organizational visibility and the opportunity to grow in responsibility through performance and contribution.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working within a CRM system, maintaining an accurate pipeline, and developing opportunities through networking, research, and Centers of Influence (COIs). While Paradigm has strong existing relationships, this role requires someone who can both nurture current clients and actively generate new ones rather than waiting for leads to be handed over.

What You'll Do

Business Development & Pipeline Growth

• Build and maintain a targeted pipeline across core markets and strategic growth sectors.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with COIs — architects, program managers, real estate advisors, community leaders, and other influencers who drive opportunities long before an RFP.
• Initiate conversations with owners, pastors, school leaders, nonprofit executives, and developers to understand needs and create new openings.
• Present Paradigm's capabilities in a way that aligns with each client's mission, culture, and priorities.
• Tailor strategies to each sector — faith-based, education, nonprofit, commercial, and medical.
• Advance opportunities based on trust, value, and long-term relationship-building — not low pricing.

Client & Partner Relationships

• Maintain consistent touchpoints with clients, COIs, and referral partners.
• Deepen existing relationships within churches, schools, and nonprofits while pursuing new partnerships across emerging markets.
• Support project teams by staying ahead of client needs without getting into daily operations.
• Help develop durable, repeat-client relationships that sustain Paradigm's reputation and pipeline.

Market Awareness & Strategy

• Stay connected to trends in our core markets and identify opportunities in commercial and medical sectors.
• Monitor competitor activity and emerging opportunities in the Houston region.
• Bring clear, honest insights back to leadership to support strategic decision-making.
• Represent Paradigm professionally at industry, community, and client events.

Internal Collaboration

• Work with estimating and executive leadership on proposal and pursuit strategies.
• Partner with marketing to strengthen messaging, presentations, and client-facing materials.
• Support interview preparation and pre-sell activities for competitive opportunities.
• Maintain clean, accurate, and up-to-date CRM/pipeline information.

Who Thrives in This Role

• Someone with real sales maturity — not an entry-level rep.
• Relationship-driven and comfortable engaging pastors, school leaders, nonprofit executives, and industry COIs.
• Patient, steady, and respectful of long sales cycles, yet proactive enough to keep opportunities progressing.
• Nimble, adaptable, and curious — able to evolve with market conditions and client needs.
• Strong personal alignment with Paradigm's values: integrity, ownership, teamwork, and excellence.
• Confident representing the company without ego or rigidity.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in business development, outside sales, or client relationship roles in commercial construction, AEC, CRE, education, nonprofit, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success generating opportunities through COIs, networking, and proactive outreach.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage long sales cycles and cultivate trust at multiple levels.
• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required with strong experience.