📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Account Director
🔹 Company: Freese and Nichols
🔹 Location: Houston, Texas, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Business Development, Sales
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 12+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Serving as the primary point of contact and liaison for clients
- Conducting market research to identify new business development opportunities
- Assisting in implementing Freese and Nichols' sales strategies
- Developing relationships with key and strategic client accounts
- Overseeing the preparation of presentations for internal sales teams and external clients
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of client interaction and relationship building, as well as strong business development skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and maintain effective relationships with clients via email, phone, and in-person
✅ Conduct market research to identify new business development opportunities
✅ Assist in implementing Freese and Nichols' sales strategies
✅ Develop relationships with identified key and strategic client accounts
✅ Coordinate, assist, and attend client events, meetings, appointments, and conferences
✅ Prepare, attend, and participate in sales presentations such as lunch and learns, brown bags, and trainings
✅ May supervise activities and tasks of identified Business Development staff
✅ Manage Key and Strategic Account Program
✅ Coordinate with accounting to report on financial metrics such as bookings
✅ Identify areas and processes for improvement or efficiency
✅ Represent Freese and Nichols through involvement in related industry professional organizations and/or community leadership roles
✅ Develop teaming strategies for specific opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, organizational, and project management skills to effectively manage client relationships and business development efforts.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business or other related discipline or associate’s degree and related experience
Experience: 12+ years' experience in sales and/or industry business development or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
Required Skills:
- Proven track record in business development or sales
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Skills:
- Previous knowledge of CRM system
- Demonstrated, strong experience in leadership working with municipalities/local government entities
- Previous knowledge of funding sources and processes to serve Freese and Nichols’ client base
ASSUMPTION: While a bachelor's degree is required, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Previous experience in the civil engineering or related industry is highly desirable.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a senior business development role in Houston, TX)
Benefits:
- Paid Overtime
- Annual Bonus
- Access to Company Cabins
- Flexible Work Environment
- Hybrid Schedule (up to 40% remote work)
- Alternative Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Houston, TX area. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Freese and Nichols is a professional planning, consulting, and engineering firm serving clients across the United States, specializing in civil engineering, architecture, planning, environmental science, construction services, program management, and transportation.
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (According to LinkedIn)
Founded: 1894
Company Description:
- Freese and Nichols is committed to delivering quality services and innovative solutions to its clients
- The company values learning continuously, engaging as family, acting with integrity, delivering quality, and serving always
- Freese and Nichols is the first engineering/architecture firm to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
Company Specialties:
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Planning
- Environmental Science
- Construction Services
- Program Management
- Transportation
Company Website: www.freese.com
ASSUMPTION: Freese and Nichols is a well-established and respected firm in the civil engineering industry, with a strong commitment to quality and client service.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level, business development role
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Vice President of Business Development
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with up to 40% remote work and an alternative work schedule program providing a day off every other Friday
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a leadership role within the business development team
- Opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects across various industries
- Chance to develop and mentor junior business development team members
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the business development team and the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Freese and Nichols' Houston office is a modern, professional environment with collaborative workspaces and amenities
Office Location(s): 10431 Morado Circle, Building 5; Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78759, US
Geographic Context:
- Houston, Texas, is the fourth most populous city in the United States and a major hub for the energy industry
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options
- Houston has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options
ASSUMPTION: The Houston office provides a professional and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for growth and development within the organization.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members to discuss qualifications and fit for the role
- Final interview with the Vice President of Business Development
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Business development and sales experience
- Industry knowledge and understanding of Freese and Nichols' services
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant business development and sales experience, as well as any industry-specific knowledge
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, communication style, and ability to work in a team environment
- Research Freese and Nichols' services and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its clients
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Sales, Client Relationship Management, Market Research, Strategic Planning, Project Management, CRM, Client Account Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and applicants should emphasize their relevant business development and sales experience, as well as their ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software is required for this role. Familiarity with project management tools is also beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Learn continuously
- Engage as family
- Act with integrity
- Deliver quality
- Serve always
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and proactive
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate Freese and Nichols' commitment to learning continuously in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you engaged as family with a client or colleague to achieve a common goal?
- How do you ensure that you act with integrity in your business development efforts?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with Freese and Nichols' values and work style, as well as a commitment to delivering quality services and solutions to clients.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large portfolio of client accounts and maintaining strong relationships with each client
- Balancing business development efforts with day-to-day client management tasks
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining productivity and focus outside of the office
- Keeping up with industry trends and developments in the civil engineering and architecture sectors
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges related to managing multiple client accounts, balancing business development and client management tasks, and adapting to a hybrid work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other business development roles in the civil engineering industry, this role may require more frequent client interaction and a broader range of industry knowledge
- Unlike some business development roles, this position does not involve extensive travel, allowing for a better work-life balance
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into a leadership or management position within the business development team or the broader organization
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role compared to other business development positions in the civil engineering industry and assess their fit for the specific challenges and opportunities presented.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic plan to expand Freese and Nichols' market share in the Houston, TX area
- Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in emerging markets within the civil engineering and architecture sectors
- Managing a key client account, including regular check-ins, progress updates, and problem-solving as needed
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of business development and client management tasks that an Account Director at Freese and Nichols might be expected to perform.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Account Director in this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments and teams within Freese and Nichols?
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
- How does Freese and Nichols support the professional development and growth of its business development team members?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how does the company support its Account Directors in overcoming these challenges?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions during the interview process will help applicants better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant business development and sales experience, as well as any industry-specific knowledge
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, communication style, and ability to work in a team environment
- Research Freese and Nichols' services and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its clients
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
