Senior Business Development Manager

With eight design studios worldwide, chances are you've encountered our work.

We specialise in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, and urban design. Our diverse, multi-disciplinary team brings together a wealth of skills and perspectives that unlock the economic, social, and cultural potential of projects.

Across our studios we connect insight and creativity, creating a better future by designing the world's best places – places people love, is what drives us.

At Hassell, we're dedicated to sustainability and regenerative design. Our designers play a pivotal role in shaping a better future for communities and our planet. Join us in making a lasting impact.

This role plays a key role in driving the growth of Hassell's Urban Transport project portfolio globally.

We are looking for an experienced and well-connected Business Development Manager to drive growth in our portfolio across Australia and Southeast Asia, with a strong focus on Metro, Light Rail, Stations, and Aviation projects. You must bring experience in this sector either from a large design firm, professional services or civil infrastructure sector.

This 12-month role (parental leave cover) will work closely with Sector Leaders, Principals, and Business Development teams to:

• Identify and secure opportunities for Hassell to be part of major Urban Transport design bids.
• Build relationships with contractors, engineering firms, and collaborators.
• Position Hassell as a trusted design partner in consortiums delivering transformative transport infrastructure projects.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic BD professional who understands the Urban Transport Infrastructure Sector in Australia, with the ability to gain insight into emerging opportunities across Southeast Asia and the UK.

Based in Melbourne/Sydney or Brisbane, this role will work closely with the Head of Clients and Future Business, Principals, and BD teams to identify and secure new opportunities, strengthen client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Market Insight & Research
  – Identify opportunities in transport infrastructure across Australia and SE Asia, track industry trends, and map competitive positioning.
• Pursuit Leadership
  – Lead and support major pursuit efforts, including Go/No-Go decisions, bid strategy, and proposal contributions, ensuring Hassell is well positioned in consortium bids.
• Client & Partner Engagement
  – Build and maintain relationships with contractors, engineering firms, and collaborators to strengthen Hassell's role as the designer of choice on large-scale transport projects.
• Go-to-Market Strategy
  – Develop and implement strategies that align with Urban Transport sector growth priorities and business planning.
• Brand & Profile
  – Enhance Hassell's visibility by representing the practice at industry events, bid partner forums, and transport conferences.
• CRM & Intelligence
  – Ensure accurate and effective use of Hassell Intelligence (Salesforce CRM) for relationship management and pipeline tracking.
• Collaboration
  – Partner with Principals and Sector Leaders to deliver client and partner engagement strategies, workshops, and pursuit planning.
• Commercial Acumen
  – Support benchmarking, fee reviews, and commercial strategies that strengthen Hassell's competitiveness in consortium bids.
• Capability Building
  – Coach internal teams on best practices in bid positioning and relationship management.
• Performance Tracking
  – Provide regular reports on pipeline development, pursuits, and relationship outcomes.

Qualifications

This role is for a proven business development leader who can identify, secure, and grow opportunities.

• 7–10+ years' experience in business development within infrastructure, transport, architecture, design, or construction.
• Proven success in securing roles on major consortium bids for metro, rail, or aviation projects.
• Strong networks with contractors, engineering firms, and collaborators.
• Deep knowledge of the infrastructure bidding environment in Australia and potentially SEA.
• Expertise in client and partner engagement, negotiation, and pursuit strategy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Strong commercial and bid management acumen.
• There will be some travel across the east coast studios for client meetings and bids.

Attributes

• Strategic & Proactive
  – Anticipates bid cycles and consortium structures to position Hassell early.
• Relationship-Driven
  – Builds trusted, long-term partnerships with contractors and collaborators.
• Strong Communicator
  – Engages confidently at senior levels within partner organisations and consortiums.
• Collaborative
  – Works seamlessly across sectors, geographies, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Results-Oriented
  – Motivated by contributing to winning pursuits and measurable growth.
• Resilient & Adaptable
  – Thrives in the fast-paced, competitive bid environment.

Why Hassell?

• A strategic role in a globally respected design firm.
• A collaborative, innovative culture that values strategic thinking and industry leadership.
• Competitive salary package.

Our team enjoys a wide range of benefits to support their development and well-being:

• 16 weeks paid parental leave for both primary and secondary carers.
• A progressive flexible work policy that allows hybrid work, location flexibility and work pattern flexibility.
• Inter-studio transfer opportunities.
• Wellbeing benefits.
• Development and training opportunities, including access to online training programs and our People Coach program.
• Study assistance.
• Hassell is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity. We demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation and cultural safety by fostering inclusive environments that value the cultural identities, perspectives, and practices of all individuals. We prioritise ensuring that everyone feels safe, included, and respected.

Our local studios serve as primary hubs for in-person connection and collaboration, and we offer flexible and hybrid work arrangements.

Hassell encourages sustainable work hours and actively supports the holistic health and well-being of our people.

Apply now and a member of our Talent team will be in touch shortly.

Please note we do not accept unsolicited CV's or names via third party recruitment firms.