Business Development Lead

Business Development Lead - Diving & Marine Construction

In order to make an application, simply read through the following job description and make sure to attach relevant documents.

About the Company

Underwater Mechanix Services is a rapidly growing commercial diving and marine construction contractor serving federal, municipal, utility, and private clients. From dam and hydro facilities to waterfront infrastructure and industrial marine assets, we deliver high-consequence work with precision, safety, and reliability. As we expand our footprint across the Southeast and beyond, we are investing in a dedicated Business Development Lead to build and manage a high-value pipeline of federal, utility, and marine construction opportunities.

About the Role

Hunt the Work. Shape the Deals. Build the Backlog. Underwater Mechanix Services is seeking a strategic, driven Business Development Lead to own our go-to-market and capture efforts across NAVFAC, USACE, utilities, and major marine construction clients. This role is based at our Jacksonville, FL headquarters, with travel to client offices, conferences, and project sites as needed. You will sit at the intersection of operations, estimating, and executive leadership — identifying the right opportunities, building relationships with decision-makers, and driving pursuits from first contact through contract award.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a business development strategy focused on federal (USACE, NAVFAC), utility, and industrial marine construction clients.
• Build, own, and maintain a visible pipeline of targeted pursuits, from early positioning through capture and proposal.
• Identify and qualify new opportunities through market research, client outreach, and industry events (SAME, Clean Currents, etc.).
• Build and deepen relationships with contracting officers, program managers, prime contractors, and key decision-makers.
• Coordinate closely with Estimating, Operations, and Executive leadership to shape winning strategies, teaming approaches, and pricing.
• Lead or support the development of SOQs, proposals, prequalification packages, and capability statements tailored to target clients.
• Track opportunities on key platforms (e.g., SAM.gov, agency portals, utility RFP systems) and keep leadership informed of upcoming bids.
• Support teaming and JV strategies with 8(a), SDVOSB, and specialty partners where beneficial to the pursuit.
• Represent Underwater Mechanix at conferences, trade shows, and client meetings; follow up and convert conversations into concrete pursuits.
• Maintain accurate records of contacts, pursuits, win / loss data, and forecasts; provide regular BD reports and revenue projections to leadership.

Qualifications

Proven experience in business development, capture management, or client-facing role in construction, marine construction, or industrial services.

Strong understanding of federal construction procurement (USACE, NAVFAC, DOE, or similar) and / or major utility / industrial contracting.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and close work with institutional clients, primes, and partnering contractors.

Experience working with proposals, RFPs / RFQs, and contract documents.

Exceptional communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal—with comfort presenting to executives and decision-makers.

Highly organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple pursuits and deadlines at once.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with CRM or pipeline tracking tools is a plus.

Willingness to travel for client visits, conferences, and occasional project site visits.

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required for certain projects.

Required Skills

Business development or capture experience in construction, industrial services, or marine construction.

Familiarity with USACE, NAVFAC, or other federal / utility procurement processes.

Strong relationship-building, networking, and client-facing skills.

Ability to translate technical scopes into clear value propositions and winning strategies.

Strong organizational skills and follow-through on leads, meetings, and action items.

Preferred Skills

Background in marine construction, commercial diving, or underwater inspection / repair services.

Experience working with federal contracting, IDIQs, MATOCs, JOCs, or task order environments.

Prior experience collaborating with 8(a), SDVOSB, or tribal enterprises and joint ventures.

Pay Range and Compensation Package

Job Type : Full-time

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience

Performance-based bonus or incentive potential

Benefits :

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are based on one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy governs all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, selection, job assignment, promotions, transfers, compensation, discipline, termination, layoff, access to benefits and training, and all other conditions and privileges of employment.

Ability to Relocate : Jacksonville, FL 32218 : Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location : In person