Vice President - Business Development

Ghafari Associates, LLC; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari Associates, LLC in Dearborn, MI seeks a Vice President of Business Development to steer strategic direction for key client accounts across K–12 education, commercial real estate, and government sectors. This senior leader will cultivate strong relationships, pursue growth opportunities, and align client needs with the firm’s capabilities and vision.

You will lead cross‑functional teams on proposals and fees, manage forecasting and profitability, negotiate long‑term contracts, and ensure

Qualifications

• 10+ years in account management, business development, or leadership within the architecture, engineering, or construction industry.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels of an organization.
• Experience managing large, complex accounts and delivering exceptional client outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for expanding services within existing and new accounts to drive growth.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop proposals, project fees, presentations, and innovative solutions.
• Serve as project executive on performance of all projects related to the account, delivering on time and within budget.
• Monitor project performance and guide project managers to address challenges and maintain client alignment.
• Manage client relationships and the account’s financial performance, including forecasting and profitability analysis.
• Negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms and long-term commitments.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship building

Communication

Negotiation

Presentation

Strategic thinking

Financial analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering, business administration or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Registered Architect/Engineer preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Bluebeam

BIM360/ACC

CRM software

Job description

General Summary

The Vice President of Business Development oversees and leads the strategic direction of key client accounts within our architecture and engineering firm. This senior leadership role is responsible for fostering strong client relationships, driving account growth, ensuring project excellence, and aligning client needs with the firm’s capabilities and vision. The role focuses on opportunities across K–12 education, commercial real estate development, local, state, and federal government agencies, and other adjacent industries as opportunities arise.

Essential Job Functions

Identify opportunities for expanding services, cross-selling, and upselling within certain existing and new accounts. Collaborate with internal teams to develop proposals and project fees, presentations, and innovative solutions that drive business growth. Serve as project executive on the performance of all projects and initiatives related to the account, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Monitor project performance and provide guidance to project managers and teams to address challenges and maintain alignment with client expectations. Manage client relationships, the account’s financial performance, including forecasting, budgeting, and profitability analysis. Negotiate contracts and agreements with the client to secure favorable terms and long‑term commitments. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Employment Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering, business administration or other related field required; Master’s degree preferred. Registered Architect/Engineer preferred.

Experience

10+ years in account management, business development, or leadership within the architecture, engineering, or construction industry.

Skills / Competencies

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, 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, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of an organization. Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Strategic thinker with the ability to balance client needs and business objectives. Knowledge of project management principles and familiarity with design and construction processes.

Travel

• Domestic travel may occur in this position.

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.

Ghafar 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.