Job DescriptionWho are we looking for?
In response to continued growth within our Market Team, our Central Region Market group is looking to bring onboard a motivated
Business Development Partner to expand GHD's presence across the
Automotive sector. As a Business Development Partner, you will be responsible for growing strategic relationships with automotive OEMs, electric vehicle manufacturers, battery producers, mobility companies, and Tier 1 suppliers.
You will lead GHD pursuits across environmental, sustainability, infrastructure, water, energy, digital, and operational improvement services while driving strategic account growth with some of the automotive industry's most recognized organizations. To support client engagement and collaboration across the region, this position will be based in either our
Detroit, MI or
Chicago, IL office.
Come plan and execute growth strategies for major existing and emerging accounts where developing executive relationships, identifying new opportunities, and applying strategic account management skills are critical. The role requires a strong understanding of the automotive ecosystem, including OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, EV manufacturing, battery production, and the operational challenges facing modern manufacturers.
Working with an energetic and high-performing team, this position offers a variety of responsibilities, including:- Key Account Management: Manage and grow strategic relationships with automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, EV manufacturers, battery producers, and advanced manufacturing clients. Lead account planning activities and coordinate multidisciplinary teams to deliver value across the client organization.
- Client Relationship Management / Account Management: Develop and execute relationship management plans for complex client accounts, identifying and strengthening connections with executive sponsors, operations leaders, engineering teams, EHS professionals, sustainability leaders, capital project managers, and procurement stakeholders.
- Client Needs Clarification: Lead strategic client discussions to understand business objectives, operational challenges, capital investment plans, sustainability goals, and regulatory requirements. Tailor solutions to align with client priorities and drive measurable outcomes.
- Sell Client Propositions: Position and sell GHD's integrated service offerings, including environmental compliance, permitting, sustainability, water management, facility infrastructure, energy transition, digital solutions, site development, and industrial engineering services.
- Promoting Client Focus: Champion client success by collaborating across GHD's service lines and business groups to deliver innovative, multidisciplinary solutions that strengthen long-term client relationships.
- Client Relationship Development / Prospecting: Identify and pursue opportunities with emerging automotive, mobility, EV, battery, and advanced manufacturing companies. Develop relationships with key decision-makers and influencers across target accounts.
- Client Relationship Management (CRM) Data: Maintain accurate client and opportunity information within CRM systems to support account planning, forecasting, pursuit management, and business development activities.
- Sales Opportunities Creation: Develop a strong network within the automotive and manufacturing community through participation in industry associations, conferences, trade organizations, and client events to identify growth opportunities and strengthen GHD's market presence.
- Operational Compliance: Maintain a strong understanding of industry regulations, corporate governance requirements, and GHD policies while ensuring compliance in all business development activities.
- Personal Capability Building: Continue developing expertise in automotive manufacturing, electrification, supply chain trends, sustainability, advanced technologies, and industry best practices through ongoing professional development and market engagement.
What you will bring to the team:- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of the automotive, mobility, EV, battery, or advanced manufacturing sectors and the business drivers shaping the industry.
- Experience in client engagement, strategic account management, and business development, with a demonstrated ability to build relationships across multiple levels within large industrial organizations, from a technical base.
- Understanding of manufacturing operations, capital projects, environmental compliance, sustainability initiatives, energy transition, or industrial infrastructure programs.
- Proven ability to develop and execute growth strategies within complex industrial or manufacturing markets.
- Demonstrated success managing and growing strategic accounts while leading multidisciplinary pursuit teams.
- A proven Seller/Doer with strong business development, proposal leadership, account planning, and client engagement skills.
- Established relationships within automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, EV manufacturers, battery producers, or related industrial sectors are highly desirable.
- Familiarity with industry organizations such as OESA, MEMA, SAE, AIAG, or similar automotive and manufacturing associations is a plus.
Benefits:
- 401K - Employees are eligible to participate on the first day of the month following 3 months of service
- Paid time off - Our PTO benefit is designed to provide eligible employees with a period of rest and relaxation, sick, and personal time throughout the year. PTO starts at 16 days per year and increases with years of service
- Holiday Pay - Holiday pay is provided for eligible employees. GHD observes 9 holidays per year. Holiday pay will be based on the regular set schedule for the employee
- Wellness Benefit- Regular full-term employees are eligible to participate in the wellness reimbursement program. GHD will reimburse 50% of the cost of the following to maximum of $250.00 reimbursement annually for such items as: Health club membership fees, Home exercise equipment purchases, Bicycles, Race, run & marathon entrance fees, Smoking cessation programs, Weight loss programs (i.e.-Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig), Fitbits and Fitness Tracking devices
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Salary: $79,380.00 - $132,300.00, varies based on experience and location.
