Project Development Manager

Summary

We are seeking a driven and strategic Project Development Manager to lead business development efforts across Alberta, with a focus on identifying, pursuing, and securing private commercial construction projects that align with our long-term growth strategy. Reporting to the Director of Project Development, this individual will take full ownership of the pursuit process, from identifying emerging opportunities to leading successful proposal submissions and supporting a seamless handoff to project execution teams. This role is ideal for a proactive and competitive professional who thrives in a high-autonomy environment and is passionate about building long-term client relationships in a dynamic industry.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Market Development

·         Achieve personal and company-wide sales targets; performance is evaluated through number and value of secured projects, quality of opportunities pursued, and ability to convert pipeline leads to contracts.

·         Identify and monitor high-growth markets (e.g., light industrial, mid-rise multifamily, tenant improvements), focusing on Alberta and select western Canadian regions over the next 1–3 years.

·         Proactively analyze competitor activity and market trends using internal reporting tools, third-party data, industry reports, and stakeholder feedback.

·         Work with leadership to develop procurement strategies including strategic hires, investment decisions, and participation in high-impact industry forums and events (e.g., BOMA, ECA, BuildEx, YBG).

·         Collaborate with estimating, executive, and project teams to align business development activities with our broader business plan.

Opportunity Management & Preconstruction Leadership

·         Build and manage a 12–24-month opportunity pipeline, pursuing projects well in advance in alignment with the strategic business plan.

·         Lead Go/No-Go analysis by reviewing Proposals/Tenders and coordinating input from estimating, operations, and leadership teams. Go/No-Go decisions are made collaboratively with input from cross-functional teams and are guided by strategic fit, project size, client relationships, and resource capacity.

·         Lead proposal pursuits, including team coordination, content development, and interview preparation.

·         Collaborate with internal teams such as estimating, marketing, and operations to ensure high-quality submissions.

·         Typical timelines for proposals range from 2–4 weeks depending on project complexity.

·         Strong written and presentation skills are required; standardized templates and past submission libraries are available for support.

·         Candidate must be able to speak knowledgeably about scopes of work and collaborate effectively with technical teams.

·         Attend pre-award meetings and assist in contract negotiations with support from senior leadership and legal counsel.

Client, Community & Brand Engagement

·         Represent the company at client meetings, industry events, networking receptions, and association gatherings to enhance visibility and maintain strong market presence.

·         Expected travel is primarily within Alberta; company vehicle credit, expense reimbursements, and internal travel booking support provided.

·         Evening and weekend engagements (e.g., Oilers games, client dinners, ECA/YBG events) may be required based on strategic opportunities.

·         Contribute to brand development through collaboration with marketing on promotional materials and community engagement strategies.

·         This includes involvement with associations and initiatives relevant to Clark Builders’ reputation and recruitment efforts.

Internal Collaboration & Handoff

·         Coordinate with the Estimating department and assigned project teams to ensure seamless project handover post-award, including full transfer of bid documentation, client communications, and risk/opportunity notes.

·         Systems and checklists are in place to support a smooth transition, but successful handoffs require proactive communication and collaboration across departments.

Culture & Expectations

·         Represent and uphold company values of integrity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

·         Operate in an open-desk, non-hierarchical office environment where executive leadership is accessible and collaboration is encouraged.

·         Expected to spend approximately 70% of time out of office attending meetings and events; full autonomy is given to manage time effectively and prioritize deliverables.

Ideal Candidate

Background & Experience

·         5+ years of experience in the construction, engineering, or architecture industry with a strong focus on business development, design, or project management.

·         Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, or Construction Management; a Technologist Certification is an asset.

·         Proven experience in RFQ/RFP response strategy, proposal content creation, and project pursuit leadership.

·         Familiarity with project delivery methods (Design-Build, CM, Lump Sum), contract types, estimating processes, and preconstruction documentation.

·         Technical aptitude to understand construction plans and specifications; exposure to Building and Energy Codes is a plus.

·         Experience working within a CRM system such as Salesforce is beneficial.

Skills & Attributes

·         Strong strategic and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.

·         Exceptional communication skills across verbal, written, and presentation formats.

·         Self-motivated, outgoing, and diplomatic, with an ability to influence and challenge the status quo respectfully.

·         Organized, analytical, and solutions-oriented; excels under pressure and meets critical deadlines.

·         Competitive mindset with a strong drive to win and open new business opportunities.

·         Effective time manager who balances autonomy with accountability and consistently delivers results.

Performance Milestones

Within 3 Months:

·         Onboarded into systems and business development processes.

·         Understand ideal time allocation between in-office strategy and out-of-office meetings.

Within 6 Months:

·         Built strong client meeting cadence.

·         Developed a viable pipeline of 3–5 strategic leads with measurable pursuit progress.

·         Begun working on private invite lists and industry engagement opportunities.

Within 12 Months:

·         Secured a new client relationship or market sector not previously accessed.

·         Delivered at least one major successful project pursuit aligned with growth goals.

Compensation & Benefits

·         Base Salary: $140,000+ based on experience

·         Bonus: Discretionary performance bonus of 10–15%, including a 4% base with potential up to 12%

·         RRSP Match: Up to 4% of base salary

·         Time Off: Minimum of 3–4 weeks vacation depending on experience; 4 personal days and 6 sick days

Benefits:

·         Prescription drug coverage

·         Extended health and dental

·         Vision care

·         Flexible Health Spending Account

·         Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

·         Life and long-term disability insurance

Cultural Fit

This role is ideal for someone who:

·         Thrives in a non-traditional, open-concept office and highly collaborative environment.

·         Embraces autonomy, while maintaining strong internal communication.

·         Is comfortable challenging assumptions and rallying teams around shared goals.

·         Enjoys building long-term partnerships and representing their company with pride.

·         Brings a strong competitive spirit and is motivated by winning strategic work.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume to Jobs.WestEdmontonAB@ExpressPros.com.

Important Note:

We do not charge fees during the hiring process. All legitimate offers will include an interview. If you receive suspicious outreach, especially through social platforms or messaging apps, report it to local authorities or reach out directly to us.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.