Project Research Specialist
About Us and Why We’re Hiring
We’re passionate about building an extraordinary business. We define an extraordinary business as one that knocks the socks off of the customers, the employees, the communities that we operate in, and the owners. We don’t sacrifice any stakeholder group over another. For over 20 years, we have rented and serviced dumpsters for residential and commercial customers working on remodeling and clean-up projects. Google us and see our great reviews!
Captain Hook is primed for growth, and we’re looking for the right talent and experience to help us get there.
Our primary requirement for joining our team is that you share our core values. We’re proud of the culture that we’re building. So if these core values resonate with you, then you’ll probably feel right at home.
Job Title
Project Research Specialist
Mission
The core mission of the Project Research Specialist is to systematically identify and rigorously qualify high-potential construction project opportunities for the sales team, using a project-first mindset grounded in Justin Roff-Marsh’s Sales Process Engineering (SPE) model. Leveraging modern construction project databases, tracking general contractor (GC) awards, and structured qualification frameworks, the Specialist ensures the organization's pipeline is consistently filled with actionable, winnable leads. Through unwavering attention to accuracy, throughput, and seamless handoff, the Specialist plays a pivotal role in enabling scalable sales growth and maximizing operational efficiency in a four-function sales system.
Core responsibilities
Construction Project Opportunity Identification
The Specialist continuously monitors a variety of industry-specific databases (e.g., GlobalData, Procore, local bid boards, TDLR TABS) and trusted project announcement channels to uncover up-to-date project opportunities, including new builds, renovations, and major infrastructure works. Routine outreach to sector networks and attendance at virtual or in-person industry events supplement digital sources, ensuring an ongoing stream of potential prospects. This includes monitoring local and regional economic development agencies, leveraging AI-powered bid management tools, and systematically subscribing to GC and owner updates.
General Contractor Award Tracking and Analysis
A crucial differentiator in the Project Research Specialist’s role is the meticulous tracking of GC award activity. By proactively monitoring when, what, and to whom significant contracts are awarded, the Specialist helps the organization target high-probability opportunities at the ideal moment for influence and value-add. Tracking means more than recording awards — it involves mapping relationships, monitoring regular winner GCs, identifying partnership prospects, and flagging emerging disruptors in the GC landscape.
Winnable Opportunity Qualification
Qualification is at the heart of a project-first model. The Specialist applies a robust, documented qualification framework that weighs project viability (budget, timeline, scope), technical alignment (company capabilities and historic wins), competitive landscape, risk, and alignment with strategic priorities. This is a dynamic, evidence-driven process, continuously refined through feedback from sales, technical teams, and post-mortem win/loss analysis.
Data Integrity and Pipeline Maintenance
The Specialist ensures all lead records, opportunity status, and qualification data are entered accurately into the organization’s CRM/bid management platforms. Timeliness and data cleanliness are essential to enabling reliable sales forecasting, reporting, and resource allocation — all cornerstones of the SPE model and modern construction sales practice.
Seamless Lead Handoff
A signature element of the Project Research Specialist’s impact is the seamless transition of qualified opportunities to the Inside Sales or Technical Team. This process is standardized and continually improved, with clear documentation, contextual project history, and all supporting materials packaged for efficient downstream engagement. Feedback loops ensure handoff quality is measured and enhanced over time, reducing friction and maximizing close rates.
Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Cross-functional collaboration is a key responsibility. The Specialist works closely with Inside Sales, the Technical Team, and Field Specialists, soliciting input on lead quality, maintaining feedback loops after project closure, and researching new tools or data sources that could improve throughput or qualification accuracy. Participation in regular process improvement meetings is expected as part of the organization’s continuous growth culture.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Number of winnable deals delivered to the inside sales team
Data completeness and integrity of those deals
Handoff satisfaction score and/or rework
Who You’d Be Working With
You’ll be working as a critical member of the Sales Team, reporting directly to the Sales Team Leader.
Location
This is a remote position, but YOU MUST RESIDE IN TEXAS and within a reasonable drive to Austin to attend quarterly meetings. Relocation assistance is NOT provided. You must have an appropriate space to work and reliable internet at your home.
Compensation
Compensation starts at $55k per year, plus quarterly bonuses based on performance and company profitability. You will be eligible for both paid time off and paid holidays. We also offer great medical and dental insurance plans and a 401(k) with a company match.
If this sounds like your ideal environment, read on because now we want to talk about YOU. You will play an instrumental role in taking this company to the next level...
You, Our New Coordinator
You’re our person if:
You understand the end-to-end construction sales process, project lifecycle phases, and industry key players (owners, developers, architects, engineers, GCs, subs) and can contextualize opportunities and anticipate bottlenecks.
You are proficient in database research and information vetting. Specifically, construction project data sources (e.g., Procore, PlanHub, BlueBook, etc.)
You have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
You are proficient with CRM, bid management, and tracking software (we use Pipedrive and PlanHub the most). As well as standard office applications (Google Sheets, Google Docs, PowerPoint/Slides).
You have a knack for prioritizing tasks and delivering results under tight deadlines.
You can manage data with precision and accuracy.
Diversity
Captain Hook is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and abilities. Part of creating an exceptional business is creating an exceptional environment for all employees. All are welcome and encouraged to apply.
We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. We are not able to sponsor visas.
Other Requirements
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States and reside in Texas.
Must have the ability to perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
How to Apply
Read and follow these directions.
Attach a resume in PDF format.
Include a cover letter in PDF format telling us:
Why this specific position interests you
Which of our Core Values (linked above) resonates with you the most
Your top 3 criteria when looking to join a new team or company
Yes, we really do read cover letters, and this is a real requirement