Senior Business Development Manager

Senior Business Development Manager – Heavy Industrial Projects

Location: Birmingham, AL (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Reports To: [Title]
Company: Steward Machine Company, Inc.

Steward Machine Company is a leader in heavy fabrication, machining, and complex industrial solutions. With over a century of experience delivering high-quality work on movable bridges, aerospace components, lock and dam gates, hydropower projects, and defense systems, we take pride in tackling some of the most challenging and technically demanding projects in industry.

As the world's largest manufacturer of movable bridge machinery and a family-owned, multi-generational, HUBZone-certified business, Steward is dedicated to reshaping American infrastructure with a commitment to quality and on‑time delivery.

Steward Machine is seeking a driven and strategic Senior Business Development Manager to expand our footprint across large‑scale industrial and infrastructure markets. This role is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities while working closely with estimating, engineering, and operations teams to position Steward for success on complex projects.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical understanding with a proactive, relationship‑focused mindset, someone who thrives on uncovering opportunities, building partnerships, and guiding projects from initial pursuit through contract award.

• Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities across heavy industrial sectors including movable bridges, lock and dam systems, hydropower, aerospace, and defense.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key clients, government agencies, contractors, and industry partners.
• Lead opportunity strategy, including market research, competitive analysis, and positioning for bids and proposals.
• Collaborate with estimating and engineering teams to develop winning strategies, pricing approaches, and technical solutions.
• Review project plans, specifications, and requirements to align business development strategy with execution capabilities.
• Support and participate in proposal development, bid reviews, and customer presentations.
• Track and manage opportunities through CRM systems and maintain a healthy pipeline of prospective work.
• Monitor industry trends, procurement platforms, and government contracting opportunities (including FAR/DFAR environments).
• Identify risks, value engineering opportunities, and differentiators to enhance proposal competitiveness.
• Represent Steward Machine at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.

Required:

• 5–10+ years of experience in business development, estimating, project management, or sales within heavy industrial, manufacturing, or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong technical understanding of heavy fabrication, machining, welding, and large assembly projects.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications to support opportunity development.
• Experience working with estimating tools and collaborating on cost development (Excel, Bluebeam, ERP systems).
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and pursue new opportunities through market research and industry networks.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFAR and government contracting processes.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Experience with projects such as movable bridges, lock and dam systems, hydropower, or aerospace manufacturing.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

• Experience working in or closely with…