Role Overview for Vice President of Marketing & Business Development – Engineering – Kansas City, MO
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, multi-disciplinary engineering firm in their search for a visionary Vice President of Marketing & Business Development. Based in their dynamic Kansas City, MO headquarters, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of a well-established and respected industry leader. The successful candidate will be a strategic mastermind, a charismatic leader, and a results-driven professional responsible for architecting and executing comprehensive marketing and business development strategies that drive significant revenue growth, expand market share, and enhance brand prominence across key sectors.
This is not merely a management position; it is a transformative role. You will be at the helm of the firm’s growth engine, reporting directly to the C-suite and collaborating closely with executive leadership and technical principals to align business development initiatives with the firm’s long-term strategic goals. You will be entrusted with building and mentoring a high-performance team, fostering a culture of innovation, and championing a client-centric approach to market engagement. If you are a seasoned leader with a proven track record of success within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry and a passion for building lasting relationships and winning landmark projects, we invite you to explore this exceptional career opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Vice President of Marketing & Business Development – Engineering – Kansas City, MO
The Vice President of Marketing & Business Development will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic planning, client relationship management, brand stewardship, and team leadership.
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop, implement, and refine a comprehensive, data-driven marketing and business development strategy that supports the firm’s ambitious growth targets.
- Conduct in-depth market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, new market opportunities, and potential threats; translate insights into actionable strategies.
- Lead the annual business planning and budgeting process for the marketing and business development department, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and maximizing ROI.
- Collaborate with the executive team and practice leaders to establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for client acquisition, market penetration, proposal win rates, and brand visibility.
- Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and Board on all matters related to market positioning, competitive landscape, and growth strategy.
Business Development & Client Relations
- Direct and oversee all business development activities, from lead generation and qualification to client pursuit and closing.
- Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key clients, strategic partners, and industry influencers to create a robust pipeline of opportunities.
- Lead major ‘Go/No-Go’ decisions on strategic pursuits, providing critical analysis and strategic direction to ensure resources are focused on high-probability opportunities.
- Guide and mentor technical staff and principals in their business development efforts, providing training on client relationship management, networking, and presentation skills.
- Oversee the entire proposal lifecycle, directing the development of compelling, client-focused proposals, statements of qualifications (SOQs), and presentations that differentiate the firm.
- Represent the firm at key industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to enhance its visibility and build strategic connections.
Marketing & Brand Management
- Champion the firm’s brand, ensuring a consistent and powerful message across all internal and external communications channels.
- Oversee the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns, including digital marketing (website, SEO/SEM, social media, email), content marketing, public relations, and advertising.
- Direct the creation of high-impact marketing collateral, including brochures, case studies, white papers, and website content, that effectively communicates the firm’s value proposition.
- Manage the firm’s public relations strategy, fostering relationships with media and securing positive coverage to enhance the firm’s reputation as an industry thought leader.
- Continuously monitor and adapt to the latest AEC industry marketing best practices to maintain a competitive edge.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Lead, manage, and mentor a multi-faceted team of marketing, business development, and communications professionals.
- Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance culture within the department, promoting professional growth and development.
- Establish clear goals and expectations for the team, providing regular feedback, performance reviews, and coaching to ensure individual and collective success.
- Optimize departmental structure, processes, and workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and responsiveness.
Requirements for the Vice President of Marketing & Business Development – Engineering – Kansas City, MO
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in marketing and business development, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role.
- Direct and extensive experience within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is mandatory.
- Demonstrable track record of developing and executing successful strategies that resulted in significant revenue growth and market expansion.
- Proven experience leading and winning multi-million dollar pursuits and managing complex proposal processes.
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills with experience building, mentoring, and inspiring high-performing teams.
- Deep understanding of CRM systems (e.g., Deltek Vision/Vantagepoint, Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms.
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, from technical staff to C-suite executives and clients.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and data-driven decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) is highly preferred.
- Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) designation is a strong asset.
- Established network of contacts within the Kansas City and broader Midwest AEC community.
- Experience with marketing services for public and private sector clients across various markets (e.g., transportation, water, federal, commercial).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary, significant performance-based bonus potential, and potential for equity/ownership participation.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous PTO policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including industry certifications (like CPSM), conference attendance, and leadership training.
Wellness Programs
Company-sponsored wellness initiatives, including gym membership reimbursements and mental health resources.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience in the AEC industry and your strategic accomplishments. We are seeking a leader who can not only meet the requirements but also bring a new level of strategic thinking and energy to our client’s firm. JRG Partners is a leader in connecting top talent with premier organizations in the technical and industrial sectors. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Engineering Executive Search practice area.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
