Vice President - Business Development

Ghafari Associates • Dearborn, MI

9d

About The Position

The Vice President of Business Development oversees the strategic direction of key client accounts at an architecture and engineering firm. This senior leadership role focuses on strengthening client relationships, growing accounts, ensuring project excellence, and aligning client needs with the firm’s capabilities and vision. Opportunities span K–12 education, commercial real estate development, local, state, and federal government agencies, and adjacent industries as opportunities arise.

The role identifies opportunities to expand services and cross-sell or upsell within existing and new accounts. It collaborates with internal teams on proposals, project fees, presentations, and solutions that support growth. As project executive for account-related projects and initiatives, the position helps ensure delivery on time, within budget, and to high quality standards; monitors performance and guides project managers and teams; and manages client relationships and account financial performance, including forecasting, budgeting, and profitability analysis. The role also negotiates client contracts and agreements to secure favorable terms and long-term commitments. Domestic travel may occur.

Ghafari Associates describes itself as a global architecture, engineering, and consulting firm whose teams support industrial, federal, and commercial projects. The company highlights employee well-being and professional growth, including training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement. It is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, as a federal contractor, maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, business administration, or another related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in account management, business development, or leadership within the architecture, engineering, or construction industry.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, and BIM360/ACC.
• Proficiency in project management tools, CRM software, and financial analysis.
• Proven track record of managing large, complex accounts and delivering exceptional client outcomes.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships at all organizational levels.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to balance client needs with business objectives.
• Knowledge of project management principles and familiarity with design and construction processes.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Registered Architect or Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to expand services, cross-sell, and upsell within existing and new accounts.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop proposals, project fees, presentations, and innovative solutions that drive business growth.
• Serve as project executive for account-related projects and initiatives, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to high quality standards.
• Monitor project performance and guide project managers and teams in addressing challenges and maintaining alignment with client expectations.
• Manage client relationships and account financial performance, including forecasting, budgeting, and profitability analysis.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with clients to secure favorable terms and long-term commitments.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Training
• Licensure support
• Internships
• Mentorships
• Tuition reimbursement
• Resources and investment for employees’ financial, physical, and emotional well-being and professional growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior