Vice President - Business Development

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, BIM
360/ACCProficiency 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 UsAt 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…