Director/ Principal of Business Development

About Us
We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place to Work®certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.

About The Role
We are seeking a Director/Principal of Business Development to support and expand our Environmental and Earth Systems (EES) practice in California. Our EES team is composed of geologists, hydrogeologists, and environmental engineers, planners, and scientists who deliver services spanning environmental due diligence, site assessment and remediation, watershed sciences, water resources, and environmental construction compliance and management. We serve a broad base of private-sector, municipal, and public agency clients and frequently collaborate with Rincon’s other practice areas—including Environmental/Community Planning, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, Marine Services, and Sustainability and Climate Action—to pursue and execute high-profile, multidisciplinary projects.

As a Director/Principal of Business Development, your primary focus will be strategic business development, client relationship cultivation, market expansion, and cross-practice collaboration. You will play a key leadership role in shaping the growth of the EES practice while helping to strengthen Rincon’s presence across major market sectors. This role requires someone who understands our industry, has deep-rooted client networks, can communicate value confidently, and can identify opportunities that align with client needs and Rincon’s capabilities.

Rincon offers an exceptional platform for professionals to shape their career trajectory, develop the careers of others, and influence the firm’s strategic direction. We look forward to learning about your career path and what you hope to accomplish as a Director/Principal of Business Development with Rincon.

How We Collaborate
This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner with clients, and may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office. Eligible office locations for this role include Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. (Please note: While this role's location is listed as San Diego, we encourage you to apply if you reside in or near any of the CA locations listed above.)

What You'll Do

Strategic Business Development & Client Management 

• Identify, pursue, and lead new business development opportunities that align with the EES practice and broader firm goals.
• Drive revenue growth by leading strategic business development efforts and meeting defined growth targets.
• Develop and implement business development strategies to support sustainable, multi-market growth.
• Maintain, strengthen, and expand relationships with clients, partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Serve as a key representative at conferences, industry events, and professional organizations to elevate Rincon’s visibility and strengthen market positioning.
• Champion excellence in client service and ensure a consistent, high-quality client experience.

Cross-Practice Collaboration & Market Strategy 

• Work closely with leaders across Rincon to identify cross-disciplinary opportunities and integrated service offerings.
• Support development of pursuit strategies, win themes, and proposal content by collaborating with marketing and technical teams.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic insight into emerging opportunities, regulatory changes, and competitive shifts.
• Contribute to building and executing the EES annual business plan, revenue goals, and growth strategies.

Operational Partnership & Practice Support 

• Partner with technical leaders to ensure that pursuit strategies align with team capabilities and workload capacity.
• Support project budgets, pricing strategies, and proposal scoping to meet client expectations and ensure financial success.
• Promote high-quality proposal development with clarity, accuracy, and strong positioning.
• Ensure smooth handoff from business development to delivery teams, facilitating long-term client satisfaction and repeat work.

Talent Advancement & Team Leadership 

• Mentor staff in client-facing development, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Support Principal and Directors in identifying staffing needs as driven by new business opportunities and growth projections.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to enhance internal processes, workflows, collaboration, and fiscal hygiene.
• Lead by example in fostering a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented team culture.
• Contribute to recruitment and onboarding efforts for roles that support expanding EES business lines.

What You'll Bring

• A BA/BS in Environmental Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science, Business, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
• At least 15 years of relevant industry or consulting experience in California, with demonstrated business development success.
• Proven experience in developing and managing client relationships, pursuing major opportunities, and contributing to organizational growth.
• Strong leadership skills and experience mentoring staff or managing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent Rincon confidently in client and industry settings.
• Strong time management skills, attention to detail, and resourcefulness.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to innovate, anticipate market trends, and support long-term business planning.
• Understanding of environmental services, regulatory environments, and the work performed by multidisciplinary consulting teams.
• OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER and/or professional licensure (PE/PG) are a plus but not required for a BD-focused role.

Investing In You
The base salary range for this full-time position is $150,000–$190,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement.

Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page .

Additional Employment Information

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.

Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.