Business Development Leader Jobs
Business Development Leader jobs are open across technology, healthcare, financial services, and professional services, from senior manager to VP and executive director, with specializations in strategic partnerships, revenue growth, and enterprise sales. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Job Description:
General Summary:
The Senior Business Development Leader (SBDL) plays a critical role in driving business growth and client acquisition. This position is responsible for identifying, pursuing, and developing new business opportunities, building and maintaining strong relationships with potential clients and partners, and promoting the firm's position as a leading provider of architectural and engineering services. The SBDL will work closely with the marketing, design, and project teams to ensure alignment between client needs and the firm's capabilities.
Essential Job Functions:
Lead Generation and Prospecting
- Identify and research potential clients, markets, and industries that align with the firm's expertise, capabilities, and experience.
- Develop and maintain a pipeline of qualified leads through networking, cold outreach, industry events, and referrals.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities.
Relationship Building
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, stakeholders, and industry partners.
- Serve as the first point of contact for prospective clients, effectively communicating the firm's value proposition and services.
- Identify and attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to represent the firm, build connections, and promote our capabilities.
Proposal Development and Client Engagement
- Collaborate with internal teams (design, engineering, marketing) to develop tailored proposals and presentations that address client needs.
- Assist in preparing responses to Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and other business inquiries.
- Schedule and conduct client meetings, presentations, and follow-up conversations to advance opportunities.
Strategic Planning and Reporting
- Work with leadership to develop and implement business development strategies and goals.
- Track and report on key metrics, including lead generation, conversion rates, and revenue growth.
- Provide insights and recommendations based on client feedback and market analysis.
Collaboration and Teamwork
- Partner with our internal marketing team to develop promotional materials, campaigns, and strategies that support business development efforts.
- Collaborate with project teams to ensure seamless transitions from business development to project execution.
- Act as a liaison between clients and internal teams to ensure client satisfaction and project alignment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of proven experience in business development, sales, or client relationship management, preferably in the architectural, engineering, or construction industry.
- Strong understanding of architectural and engineering services, project lifecycles, and industry trends.
- Excellent verbal communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and other business tools.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with design and construction processes, including permitting, planning, and project management.
- Experience with marketing strategies and tools, including digital marketing and social media.
- Existing network of industry contacts and relationships.
Key Attributes
- Results-driven and goal-oriented.
- Creative problem-solving skills.
- Professional and polished demeanor.
- Passion for architecture, engineering, and design.
Benefits:
At Ghafari, we offer a robust benefits package designed to support your overall wellbeing. In addition to a competitive salary, eligible employees receive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Teladoc, Employee Assistance Program, Professional License Reimbursement, Educational Assistance, Voluntary Pet Insurance, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and 8 Paid Holidays. The annual pay rate for this position is $140,000+. Individual pay is based on factors such as relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and training.
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: hr@ghafari.com
If there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.
Job Description:
General Summary:
The Senior Business Development Leader (SBDL) plays a critical role in driving business growth and client acquisition. This position is responsible for identifying, pursuing, and developing new business opportunities, building and maintaining strong relationships with potential clients and partners, and promoting the firm's position as a leading provider of architectural and engineering services. The SBDL will work closely with the marketing, design, and project teams to ensure alignment between client needs and the firm's capabilities.
Essential Job Functions:
Lead Generation and Prospecting
- Identify and research potential clients, markets, and industries that align with the firm's expertise, capabilities, and experience.
- Develop and maintain a pipeline of qualified leads through networking, cold outreach, industry events, and referrals.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities.
Relationship Building
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, stakeholders, and industry partners.
- Serve as the first point of contact for prospective clients, effectively communicating the firm's value proposition and services.
- Identify and attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to represent the firm, build connections, and promote our capabilities.
Proposal Development and Client Engagement
- Collaborate with internal teams (design, engineering, marketing) to develop tailored proposals and presentations that address client needs.
- Assist in preparing responses to Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and other business inquiries.
- Schedule and conduct client meetings, presentations, and follow-up conversations to advance opportunities.
Strategic Planning and Reporting
- Work with leadership to develop and implement business development strategies and goals.
- Track and report on key metrics, including lead generation, conversion rates, and revenue growth.
- Provide insights and recommendations based on client feedback and market analysis.
Collaboration and Teamwork
- Partner with our internal marketing team to develop promotional materials, campaigns, and strategies that support business development efforts.
- Collaborate with project teams to ensure seamless transitions from business development to project execution.
- Act as a liaison between clients and internal teams to ensure client satisfaction and project alignment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of proven experience in business development, sales, or client relationship management, preferably in the architectural, engineering, or construction industry.
- Strong understanding of architectural and engineering services, project lifecycles, and industry trends.
- Excellent verbal communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and other business tools.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with design and construction processes, including permitting, planning, and project management.
- Experience with marketing strategies and tools, including digital marketing and social media.
- Existing network of industry contacts and relationships.
Key Attributes
- Results-driven and goal-oriented.
- Creative problem-solving skills.
- Professional and polished demeanor.
- Passion for architecture, engineering, and design.
Benefits:
At Ghafari, we offer a robust benefits package designed to support your overall wellbeing. In addition to a competitive salary, eligible employees receive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Teladoc, Employee Assistance Program, Professional License Reimbursement, Educational Assistance, Voluntary Pet Insurance, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and 8 Paid Holidays. The annual pay rate for this position is $140,000+. Individual pay is based on factors such as relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and training.
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: hr@ghafari.com
If there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.
Business Development Leader Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsBusiness Development Leader Job Market
Who's Hiring
- HDR22
- CHA Consulting5
- Environmental Science Associates4
- SAIC3
- PARKHILL3
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services27
- Healthcare & Medical Services15
- Construction & Real Estate3
- Energy1
- Automotive1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in business development leader jobs.
- 5 or more years of business development, sales, or strategic partnerships experience
- Proven ability to build and close complex, multi-stakeholder deals
- CRM proficiency, typically Salesforce or HubSpot, for pipeline management
- Experience developing go-to-market strategies and identifying new revenue channels
- Strong executive communication and negotiation skills
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field
Tips for Your Business Development Leader Job Search
Quantify pipeline and revenue impact
Business development leader resumes live or die on numbers. Replace vague claims like 'grew revenue' with specifics: percentage increases, deal sizes, or new market entry outcomes. Hiring managers expect you to own a number, so give them one.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists business development leader openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target openings by growth stage
A business development leader role at a Series B startup and one at a Fortune 500 require different instincts. Filter your search by company stage or size and tailor your application to show you understand whether the job is about building a motion from scratch or scaling an existing one.
Demonstrate cross-functional influence
Business development leaders rarely close deals alone. Show in your resume and cover letter how you worked alongside product, legal, and finance to get complex partnerships across the line. Hiring managers want proof you can move stakeholders, not just prospect.
Prepare a deal story for the interview
Most business development leader interviews include a deal walkthrough. Have a single complex partnership or deal you can narrate end to end: how you identified it, the internal and external obstacles, and what the outcome meant for the business.
Negotiate scope before accepting an offer
Before signing, clarify territory, existing pipeline access, headcount authority, and quota ramp timelines. Business development leader offers vary widely in how much structural support you get, and those details affect your success far more than base compensation alone.
Business Development Leader Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most business development leaders?
The companies hiring the most business development leaders right now include HDR, CHA Consulting, and Environmental Science Associates, with the largest share of openings in Florida, California, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Openings are concentrated in technology, financial services, and healthcare sectors.
How many business development leader jobs are remote?
About 57% of business development leader openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the relationship-driven nature of the role. Strategic partnerships and alliances roles tend to offer the most location flexibility, while enterprise sales development leadership roles more often require proximity to a regional office or key accounts.
How do you become a business development leader?
Most business development leaders move up from individual contributor roles in sales, partnerships, or account management, building a record of closing deals and managing strategic relationships. From there, taking on cross-functional projects, mentoring junior team members, and owning a revenue line demonstrates readiness for leadership. Pursuing relevant credentials in negotiation or strategic management accelerates the path.
Can you get hired as a business development leader with little experience?
Breaking into a business development leader role with limited experience is possible if you can show transferable results. Candidates who have led complex client relationships, launched a partnership program independently, or built a pipeline function at a startup often advance faster than tenure alone would suggest. Framing your application around outcomes rather than years in role is the most effective approach.
What does the business development leader interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a recruiter screen, followed by a hiring manager conversation focused on your deal experience and strategic thinking. Later rounds usually include a presentation or case study asking you to map a go-to-market or partnership strategy, plus stakeholder interviews with product, finance, or legal to assess cross-functional fit. Final rounds often involve a panel or executive conversation.
Where can I find and apply to business development leader jobs?
You can find and apply to business development leader jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find the roles that match your experience and target industry, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
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