The Role
Leads business development and growth for specialized construction markets, especially aviation, customs, education, commercial office, and entertainment. Builds executive-level client relationships, identifies and pursues large-scale opportunities, oversees RFQ/RFP responses, negotiates contracts, monitors market trends, and advises leadership. Partners with preconstruction, estimating, project management, and marketing teams to align client needs with company capabilities. Frequent travel is required for stakeholder meetings, industry events, and market development.
Summary Generated by Built In
The Associate Director of Business Development will drive W.E. O'Neil's growth in highly specialized markets — with a strong emphasis on aviation (including airport authorities, customs facilities, and airport operational divisions), as well as education, commercial office, and entertainment sectors. This is a strategic leadership role focused on building deep client relationships, uncovering transformative opportunities, and positioning W.E. O'Neil as the premier choice for complex, high-value construction projects in these markets.
You'll act as a trusted advisor and primary liaison for key decision-makers — including airport and customs officials, school administrators, commercial developers, and entertainment operators — while leading the pursuit of large-scale opportunities from identification through proposal and contract negotiation.
The role partners closely with Preconstruction, Estimating, Project Management, and Marketing to align client expectations with technical capabilities and reports to senior Business Development / executive leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Expand market share in education, commercial office, and entertainment sectors by identifying and pursuing high-impact opportunities.
- Develop and execute tailored strategies to meet the unique demands of aviation, customs, and other target sectors.
- Build and manage relationships with key decision-makers, serving as the trusted advisor and primary client liaison.
- Represent the company at industry events, regulatory forums, and trade shows to build visibility and credibility in aviation and customs.
- Lead the identification, analysis, and pursuit of large-scale opportunities, including airport infrastructure, customs facilities, and complex educational or entertainment projects.
- Oversee RFQ/RFP preparation and negotiate contracts that highlight the company's expertise and solutions.
- Monitor market trends and deliver actionable insights to senior leadership on emerging opportunities and the competitive landscape.
- Partner with Preconstruction, Estimating, Project Management, and Marketing to align client expectations with execution and campaign strategy.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- 8+ years of business development experience in construction, with a proven track record in aviation and customs projects.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Construction Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Extensive knowledge of airport operations, customs facilities, and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrated success securing multimillion-dollar contracts within highly competitive markets.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, particularly with government and regulatory bodies.
- Proficiency in navigating complex procurement processes and aligning solutions with client goals.
- Ability to travel frequently to meet stakeholders, attend industry events, and maintain a strong presence in target markets.
Benefits
- A rare, high-visibility leadership role shaping W.E. O'Neil's growth in aviation, customs, and other specialized markets — not just another BD seat.
- Direct influence at the leadership table, delivering strategic insights that shape company direction.
- 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company with a track record dating back to 1925 — your work has a direct stake in the outcome.
- Full benefits package: competitive pay, bonus program, medical/dental/vision insurance, PTO/sick leave, life insurance, 401(k) with match, and a student debt assistance program
W.E. O'Neil Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
About
Building Great Relationships since 1925! 100% employee-owned general contractor. We build nationally, with locations in AZ, CA, CO, IL, TN, and TX.W.E. O'Neil Construction has seen steady growth since its founding in 1925 in Chicago by the O'Neil family. Now 100% employee-owned (ESOP), we embrace people as our number one asset. Our award-winning teams are recognized as industry leaders. Our longevity can be attributed to our excellent staff of professionals, our integrity, our commitment to customer satisfaction, and our ability to embrace technology. Our combination of the financial strength of a large national contractor and the responsiveness of a small company brings the best of both worlds to our clients. Our experience covers virtually every commercial market sector using a broad range of project delivery methods including design-build, design assist, construction management at risk and lump sum bid.
Skills Required
- 8+ years of business development experience in construction
- Proven track record in aviation and customs projects
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Construction Management, or a related field
- Advanced degree
- Extensive knowledge of airport operations, customs facilities, and regulatory requirements
- Demonstrated success securing multimillion-dollar contracts in competitive markets
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with government and regulatory bodies
- Experience navigating complex procurement processes and aligning solutions with client goals
- Ability to travel frequently
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The Company
What We Do
W.E. O’Neil Construction is a 100% employee-owned, nationally ranked general contractor headquartered in Chicago, serving clients and partners nationwide from offices across six states. It delivers commercial building projects through general contracting, construction management, preconstruction, and self-perform services. Its work spans markets including office, retail, healthcare, education, hospitality, and manufacturing, and the company emphasizes quality, integrity, and responsiveness to clients’ needs.
