Business Development Executive - Process Engineering

Ghafari As; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari As in Dearborn, Michigan is seeking a Business Development Executive to lead growth strategies for their Operations + Systems Engineering team. You will develop business strategies, manage client relationships, and oversee financial performance.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree and possesses over 15 years of experience in engineering or consulting. Strong strategic thinking and communication skills are essential, along with a proven track record in business development and contract negotiation.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in engineering, consulting, automotive, or manufacturing industries.
• Ability to travel as required for business development.
• Experience with cross-functional teams in high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies.
• Cultivate relationships with clients and provide strategic insights.
• Negotiate contracts and manage account financial performance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Client relationship management

Financial management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business administration

Master’s degree in engineering or business administration (preferred)

Job description

Job Description

The Business Development Executive role is responsible for developing and leading growth strategies for the Operations + Systems Engineering group, including business development planning, client relationship management, lead generation and pursuit management, as well as selected executive level project oversight.

This position requires a deep understanding of the industrial/manufacturing design-through-implementation value stream and requires the ability to represent Ghafari’s value proposition via our service offerings. Ideally, this person understands the design through delivery of phases of simple and complex projects, such as those found in today’s most productive and efficient industries and businesses.

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Leadership

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

Client Relationship Management

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients (e.g., OEMs, tier suppliers, contractors, vendors, etc.), ensuring alignment between their needs and the firm’s capabilities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic insights and solutions.
• Open doors for technical teams to join and complement project and market pursuits.

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. Develop winning pricing strategies that identify opportunities to optimize resources, increase revenue, and improve cost efficiency.

Proposal Development

• Lead and collaborate with internal teams to develop compelling proposals, presentations, and innovative solutions that address client needs and drive business growth.
• Strategize and navigate the procurement avenues that gain strategic advantage and increase hit rates.

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.
• Qualify project and market opportunities for fit, win probability, risks/rewards, and rationale to invest time to pursue (short and long term).

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 the process engineering disciplines/services and the ways to deliver value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, marketing, or a related field required. Master’s degree in engineering or business administration is a plus.
• 15+ years of experience in engineering, consulting, automotive, manufacturing, and 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.
• Ability to travel, as required, in pursuit of business development opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical expertise in industrial engineering, manufacturing technologies, logistics, packaging engineering, and/or other process engineering disciplines.
• Proficiency in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis.
• Current relationships with engineering and/or purchasing personnel (decision makers) at major manufacturers and clientele candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.