Business Development Director - Federal Projects (AEC Industry)

Ghafari Associates, LLC; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari Associates, LLC in Dearborn, MI is seeking a seasoned Business Development leader to drive growth in the federal sector, shaping strategy, client relationships and pursuit management across complex projects.

You will guide strategic planning, oversee program delivery with technical teams, manage budgets and contracts, and develop compelling proposals to win opportunities with government and military clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, business administration, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in military, government, or related industries.
• Experience with cross-functional teams and dynamic, high‑pressure environments.
• Expertise in client relationship management, contract negotiation, and business development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy for growth.
• Cultivate and maintain client relationships; align needs with capabilities.
• Collaborate with technical teams to provide project oversight and direction.
• Monitor financial performance including forecasting, budgeting, and profitability.
• Coordinate with internal teams to develop compelling proposals and solutions.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements to secure favorable terms.
• Research industry trends and opportunities to maintain a competitive edge.
• Participate in industry organizations and events.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Client Relationship Management

Program Oversight

Financial Management

Proposal Development

Contract Negotiation

Market Insights

Industry Networking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/architecture/business

Job description

In Office

Dearborn, MI

Full time

R-100285

Job Description:

General Summary:

The Business Development role is responsible for developing and executing growth strategies for the federal sector, including business planning, client relationship management, lead generation and pursuit management, and project oversight. This position requires an exceptional leader with experience in architecture / engineering, infrastructure development, and operational management, ideally with a background in complex projects such as those found in the military or federal government environments. The ideal candidate will leverage their expertise in strategic planning, client relationship management, and technical execution to drive new business successfully.

Essential Job Functions:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy to expand the firm’s services and grow client accounts, with a focus on long-term partnerships and sustainable growth.

Client Relationship Management

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring alignment between their needs and the firm’s capabilities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic insights and solutions.

Program Oversight

• Collaborate with the technical teams to provide project oversight and guidance to ensure excellence in project delivery.

Financial Management

• Monitor account financial performance, including forecasting, budgeting, and profitability analysis. Identify opportunities to optimize resources and improve cost efficiency.

Proposal Development

• Collaborate with internal teams to develop compelling proposals, presentations, and innovative solutions that address client needs and drive business growth.

Contract Negotiation

• Negotiate contracts and agreements with clients, securing favorable terms and long‑term commitments.

Market Insights

• Research industry trends, market conditions, and emerging opportunities to maintain a competitive edge.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in relevant industry organizations and events

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on achieving long-term goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with clients, partners, multidisciplinary project teams, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with government contracting processes and regulations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, business administration, or a related field required.
• 15+ years of experience in military, government, or other related industries.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams and delivering results in dynamic, high‑pressure environments.
• Expertise in client relationship management, contract negotiation, and business development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical expertise in facilities engineering, environmental science, or infrastructure development.
• Proficiency in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis.
• Experience with managing military construction (MILCON) projects, infrastructure recapitalization programs, or disaster recovery efforts is highly desirable.
• Experience with USACE, NAVFAC, USAF and U.S./NATO defense contractors.

About Us

At Ghafari Associates, we don’t just design buildings—we help shape the future of the industries we serve. As a global leader in architecture, engineering, and consulting, we partner with clients to deliver forward‑thinking solutions that transform how people work, manufacture, and connect.

Our strength lies in our people. We bring together curious minds, technical experts, and creative problem‑solvers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. Whether supporting major industrial programs or advancing federal and commercial projects, our teams are empowered to make a meaningful impact—both for our clients and within our communities.

We are committed to investing in our employees’ financial, physical, and emotional well‑being, as well as their professional growth. Through robust training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement, we provide the resources our people need to build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the communities we are proud to call home.

Ghafari Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. As a federal contractor, Ghafari Associates maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in accordance with applicable laws.

Pay Transparency

Ghafari Associates will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Accommodation

• By fax at: 313.436.8624, Attn: Human Resources
• By mail at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126, Attn: Human Resources
• In person at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126
• By email at: [e-mail]

If there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.

Ghafari is a community where talent thrives. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your skills, collaborate with industry leaders, and work on transformative projects around the globe.