Business Recruitment Manager

About the position

The City of Sugar Land is seeking a full-time Business Recruitment Manager in the Department of Economic Development. This role provides key support to the Economic Development Department, leading economic growth by developing and implementing strategies to attract businesses to the Sugar Land community. The Business Recruitment Manager will focus on fostering partnerships, promoting the community as an ideal business destination, and aligning recruitment efforts with long-term economic development goals and target industries to enhance local prosperity and competitiveness.

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive business recruitment strategy targeting key industries based on the City and region's strengths, workforce availability, and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with and support marketing campaigns, including digital platforms, trade missions, and promotional materials, to position the community as a top destination for business investment.
• Conduct site visits and business tours for prospects, showcasing available properties, resources, and quality-of-life advantages.
• Perform in-depth market analysis to identify trends, industry clusters, and competitive opportunities for business attraction.
• Design and manage incentive programs, including tax abatements, grants, and workforce development initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fiscal sustainability.
• Build and maintain relationships with site selectors, commercial real estate brokers, corporate executives, and industry leaders to promote the region as a business hub.
• Collaborate with developers and property owners to enhance the inventory of shovel-ready sites and modernized facilities.
• Assist in business retention and recruitment efforts by attending and hosting events at the City's suites at Constellation Field and Smart Financial Centre.
• Required to work as an essential employee before, during and after an emergency or disaster, whether natural or acts of war.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as needed or assigned by the Director of Economic Development or his/her designee.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Urban Planning, or Public Administration.
• Two plus years of experience in economic development, business retention, real estate brokerage, retail development or municipal government.
• Proven track record of researching, coordinating and assisting in the implementation of a wide range of economic development programs, projects and initiatives.
• Experience or knowledge of Texas economic development incentive programs (Type A & B Corporations, Tax Abatements, Chapter 380s, Direct Incentives, Enterprise Zones, Skills Development, etc.) is preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced education above a Bachelor's degree may be substituted for up to two years of experience.
• Municipal experience is a plus.
• Recognized Economic Development Industry training is a plus, but not a requirement.
• Certifications may include Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).

Benefits

• City-subsidized Medical and Dental Insurance with a variety of plan options.
• City-paid Basic Life Insurance @ 1x your annual salary and Long-term Disability.
• Voluntary Vision, Supplemental Life Coverage, Aflac indemnity plans, Short Term Disability and pre-paid legal benefits.
• 9 paid holidays and up to 3 floating holidays.
• Generous vacation package with accruals starting on day 1.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Robust pension plan with TMRS includes your 7% contribution with 2:1 match by the City.
• Longevity pay for each month of service after your first 13 months of employment.
• On-site Wellness facilities and programming.
• Access to multiple mental health benefits and resources.