Director, Project Planning & Development

Kraus-Anderson offers an opportunity to make an immediate impact with an industry leader!

Core Purpose: Building enduring relationships and strong communities

Core Values:

• Integrity – Do the right thing…always be respectful, honest and fair
• Commitment – Take ownership, work hard, and keep promises
• Teamwork – Collaborate to foster trust and success for all
• Value People – Support each other in a safe, positive environment where people are recognized and appreciated for their contributions  

Our Company

For more than a century, Kraus-Anderson has been transforming the American landscape. 

Founded in 1897 and privately owned and managed by the Engelsma family for more than 70 years, KA is consistently ranked by Engineering News Record among the top 50 general contractors in the United States. Our base of operations in Minnesota is supplemented with regional offices, extending our capabilities coast to coast.

We take a highly collaborative approach to our work. We work closely with owners, architects and the entire planning team well before ground is broken; providing cost analyses, scheduling information, and value engineering services to ensure that our client can make informed decisions leading to a timely finish of the highest quality and the best value.

Summary

This position will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for marketing and business development initiatives that drive company growth and aligns with organizational goals. Developing and executing the annual business development/marketing plans and budgets, leading CRM-based business development meetings, and tracking/reporting activity through company tools and processes. All while promoting a “seller-doer” culture by supporting project teams and key account plans, and development efforts, while conducting market analysis to identify opportunities, partners, and target clients. This role is responsible for strengthening KA’s market presence by building and maintaining strategic relationships, participating in industry and community organizations, and leading pursuit strategy for proposals and interviews, while adapting to evolving organizational needs. 

This role will focus on commercial markets to include: manufacturing, higher education, and mission critical.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Business Planning

• Collaborate with the Director of Operations (DOO), marketing, and market sector leaders (Construction Executive & National Director) to align market sector and/or office specific development initiatives with company-wide growth strategies.
• and manage annual marketing and business development plans; prepare and manage the annual marketing budget for specific market sector and/or office
• Lead market sector and/or office business development meetings, and manage the tracking and reporting of all business development activities within company tools/processes
  • Utilize internal CRM and market research to track and develop intentional pipelines for growth 
  • Engage operations team in use and development of CRM in client engagement strategies
• Actively trains and coaches "seller-doer" culture among project managers and assist in developing key account management plans.
• Identify and assess new/existing market initiatives, analyze business opportunities, and evaluate potential business partners and clients.
• Defines the multi-year growth roadmap for the office and/or market sector

Project Development & Technical Consulting

• Provide strategic guidance on construction operations, including risk mitigation, profit optimization, project manager development, and adherence to project delivery standards to support consistent execution and strong project outcomes.
• Guide clients through early project development by coordinating in-house resources for facility assessments, pre-design, and pre-construction services that help define project needs, scope, and feasibility.
• Collaborate with design teams to support master planning and space programming efforts that define and address specific client needs and align project concepts with long-term goals.
• Facilitate conceptual budgeting and estimating, including the development of preliminary construction and phasing schedules to support informed planning and decision-making.
• Assist clients and stakeholders in identifying, securing, and analyzing funding mechanisms for capital improvements and deferred maintenance needs, while supporting alignment between available resources and project priorities.

Market Engagement

• Identify potential customers and partners, developing the strategic relationships necessary to secure opportunities and negotiate agreements.
• Maintain an active role in trade associations and exhibit at trade shows
• Lead community involvement activities and partner with marketing to establish KA brand in your office and/or market sector
• Lead and support the proposal and interview process, including the development of winning strategies for specific office/market sector.
  • Leads capturing planning process and mentors all team members in effective market intelligence gathering and relationship building to position KA before competitive pursuit
• Represents and engages other KA team members in industry thought leadership opportunities such as presentations, social media, and/or other mediums that influence industry standards
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Construction Management, Architecture, Business Development, Marketing, Public Relations or related coursework.
• Minimum ten years related experience. Construction/Design/Engineering Industry Required.
• Proficient working with customer relationship management (CRM) Systems
• Competent in construction delivery models 
• Competent in the commercial real estate development process including entitlement and financial resources
• Competent in project planning including defining scope, schedule and budget 
• Demonstrated computer proficiency (MS Office 365 – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Ability to use time productively, maximize efficiency and meet challenging work goals.
• Ability to maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Ability to possess and maintain exceptional work ethic as well as uphold company values and demand the highest standard of conduct from self and others.
• Creative problem solving and collaboration skills

Other:

• Valid Driver's License, ability to maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record, and ability to adhere to the KA Motor Vehicle Policy. 
• Travel: 50% 

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Essential functions include items such as ability to:

• Clearly communicate information (both written and verbal) to colleagues and key stakeholders 
• Stand and/or sit in a stationary position for extended periods of time; 50%+
• Use a computer/laptop/iPad in open office environment with natural and/or florescent lighting
• Navigate between office building floors, and on occasion, attend off-site meetings 
• Lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted 

Salary Range: $118,000 to $174,000 annually, plus company vehicle and discretionary incentive program. 

While the range listed represents the anticipated hiring range for this position, offers at the upper end of the range are uncommon. Pay is based on many factors including but not limited to education, skill, experience, training, certifications, and other business needs.

Why KA?

We offer a challenging, rewarding, and supportive environment where employees are positioned to make a positive impact on our business, our communities, and their own future. 

We believe in building leaders. KA offers a wide range of enrichment and professional growth opportunities through KA University and community service opportunities through our KA Has Heart Volunteer Program.

KA offers full time employees (30+ hours) a significant Total Rewards package including:

• Medical insurance Plan Options
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Flex Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Wellness Program
• Fitness Center (Minneapolis)
• KA University Training and Development
• Fitness Center, KA corporate headquarters, Minneapolis
• 401(k) Plan
• Company sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability
• Company sponsored Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Time Off including vacation, sick and holiday pay
• Workplace Flexibility
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Military Leave for Active Reserve Duty
• Free Parking 

Along with our employer sponsored plans, we also offer an array of Voluntary Benefits and other perks.

Make A Positive Impact

EOE / Vets / Disabled