Business Development Director / Market Leader

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we’re solving the world’s most critical challenges for thriving cities, resilient environments and sustainable communities. We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven leader to join us as Market Leader, Water – NSW, a pivotal role driving growth, client impact, and strategic positioning across one of our most important markets.

About The Opportunity

As Business Development Director / Market Leader, Water NSW, you will play a key role in expanding Jacobs’ presence across New South Wales Water Market. This is a senior leadership position where you will shape market strategy, strengthen executive client relationships, and lead major pursuits that enhance our market share and deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients and communities.

You will collaborate across sales, operations and technical teams to identify and secure high value opportunities, influence long term client strategies, and position Jacobs at the forefront of the evolving water sector.

What You’ll Do

• Drive market growth and client impact
• Develop and execute the Water market strategy across New South Wales
• Lead client engagement plans for key strategic accounts
• Build and convert a strong pipeline of opportunities through early positioning and differentiated win strategies
• Expand service offerings and identify new growth opportunities aligned to market trends
• Build trusted executive relationships
• Establish deep, value-based relationships with senior client stakeholders
• Act as a strategic advisor to clients across technical, commercial and delivery dimensions
• Champion client experience through thought leadership and industry engagement
• Lead commercial performance
• Oversee pricing strategy, major bids and commercial negotiations
• Drive strong performance across key metrics including bookings, win rate, sales efficiency and pipeline health
• Collaborate across regions to share insights and continuously improve pursuit outcomes
• Inspire and develop high-performing teams
• Lead, mentor and grow client account and pursuit teams
• Support strategic workforce planning and talent development
• Foster a culture of safety, collaboration and excellence aligned with Jacobs’ values

Here's what you'll need

About You

You are an experienced leader with a strong track record in the water sector, bringing a blend of commercial acumen, strategic thinking and relationship leadership. You thrive in complex, matrixed environments and excel at influencing senior stakeholders.

You will bring

• Significant experience in consulting, sales, or operational leadership within the water market
• Proven success delivering growth through major pursuits, client relationship development and strategic planning
• Strong commercial capability, including negotiation and risk management
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage at executive level
• Experience working across multidisciplinary teams and balancing competing priorities

Why Jacobs?

At Jacobs, you’ll be part of a global organisation committed to delivering innovative solutions that create a more connected and sustainable world. We offer

• The opportunity to lead and shape a key market
• Access to global expertise and innovative solutions
• A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow and thrive
• The chance to make a lasting impact on communities and the environment

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs here.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of diverse perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.

Our meticulously curated employee benefits support ALL employees throughout every stage of life. From paid parental leave to a lifetime financial allowance for you and your partner to access family forming Fertility & IVF treatment, adoption and surrogacy assistance along with menopause and Low T treatment.

We are steadfast in our commitment to the wellbeing of you and your loved ones with a comprehensive suite of wellbeing resources supporting you physically, emotionally and financially. This is demonstrated in our company being recognised by WGEA for 12 consecutive years as an employer of choice for gender equality along with our industry leading GOLD employer status by the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

Cultural Support

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs aims to provide cultural safety at our interviews. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are invited to nominate a cultural representative to participate on the interview panel; please let your recruiter know in your application. No matter what drives you, you'll discover a way to cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.