Business Development Lead

We are currently seeking an experienced, well-connected individual to join us as Business Development Lead on a permanent basis in our Lisbon head office.

This is a critical role that will work directly with the CEO and Business Development Director. They will play a key role in supporting and executing ARC-IDC's business development strategy, with a primary focus on growing the pipeline in Portugal and Spain while contributing to international opportunities, particularly in the Middle East.

This role will focus on identifying, originating and developing new opportunities, managing bid processes, and building strong relationships across real estate & development, with a strong focus on projects led by developers, investors, group operators.

This is a hands-on role suited to a commercially driven individual who is confident operating across both client-facing and bid delivery activities with the ability to proactively open doors, leverage existing networks, and contribute to converting opportunities into secured projects within the architecture and built environment sector.

Responsibilities

Support the execution of ARC-IDC's business development strategy across Portugal, Spain and selected international markets

Identify, originate and track new business opportunities across key sectors including hospitality, healthcare, residential, and mixed-use developments

Build and maintain a robust and active pipeline of opportunities, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting through CRM systems

Conduct market research to identify trends, target clients, and emerging opportunities within the property and construction landscape

Leverage existing networks and proactively open doors with developers and investors to generate new opportunities

Develop and maintain relationships with developers, public sector entities, consultants, and other key stakeholders

Actively engage with decision makers across the developer and investor community, strengthening ARC-IDC's market positioning

Support senior leadership in managing strategic client relationships and key accounts

Take a lead role in coordinating and delivering high-quality EOIs, RFPs, and tender submissions

Manage the end-to‐end bid process, including timelines, inputs, documentation, and submission quality

Identify potential partners and collaborators to strengthen bids and expand capability

Apply commercial awareness to support pricing strategies, fee development, and proposal structuring

Support and progressively lead commercial discussions and negotiations on opportunities, contributing to deal conversion

Support award submissions, publications, and broader brand positioning activities

Collaborate with teams across Portugal, the UK, and other regions to share leads and support joint pursuits

Support international opportunities, particularly Spain and the Middle East, as required

Who we are seeking:

Additional BD, marketing, or project‐related qualifications are advantageous

8+ years' experience in business development within architecture, real estate, or the wider built environment

Experience supporting or delivering bids and proposals (EOIs, RFPs, tenders)

Good understanding of the real estate and development landscape, including key stakeholders and project lifecycles

Exposure to architectural or design‐led projects is highly desirable

Experience working with developers, public sector clients, or multidisciplinary project teams

Some international exposure is beneficial, particularly in Spanish & Middle Eastern markets