Job Description:

General Summary:

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 compliment 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.

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

Ghafari Associates is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process.  If you need an accommodation due to a disability to use our online system to apply for a position, you may also apply for positions in the following ways:

• 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: [email protected]
  

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