Senior Business Development Manager - Heavy Industrial Projects

Steward Machine Company, Inc., based in Birmingham, AL, is a recognized leader in heavy fabrication, machining, and complex industrial solutions. With over a century of experience, Steward Machine has built a reputation for delivering high-quality work on some of the nation’s most challenging infrastructure and industrial projects, including movable bridges, aerospace components, lock and dam gates, hydropower projects, and defense systems. As the world’s largest manufacturer of movable bridge machinery and a family-owned, HUBZone-certified business, Steward Machine offers a unique opportunity to contribute to reshaping American infrastructure while working alongside a skilled, hands-on team dedicated to craftsmanship, precision, and on-time delivery. The Senior Business Development Manager – Heavy Industrial Projects will play a pivotal role in expanding Steward’s presence in large-scale industrial and infrastructure markets, driving new business opportunities, and collaborating closely with internal teams to secure and deliver complex projects.

Responsibilities

• 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 strong relationships with key clients, government agencies, contractors, and industry partners.
• Lead opportunity strategy through market research, competitive analysis, and positioning for bids and proposals.
• Collaborate with estimating, engineering, and operations teams to develop winning strategies, pricing approaches, and technical solutions.
• Review project plans, specifications, and requirements to ensure alignment between business development strategy and execution capabilities.
• Support and participate in proposal development, bid reviews, and customer presentations.
• Track and manage opportunities using CRM systems to maintain a robust 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.
• Visit manufacturing facilities, fabrication shops, and project sites as needed, adhering to safety protocols and PPE requirements.

Qualifications

• 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 (such as Excel, Bluebeam, or ERP systems).
• Excellent 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.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Experience with projects such as movable bridges, lock and dam systems, hydropower, or aerospace manufacturing preferred.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one preferred.
• Experience working in or closely with fabrication shops or manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Established network within infrastructure, government, or industrial markets is advantageous.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, results-driven approach to winning work.
• Ability to bridge technical and commercial perspectives to drive successful outcomes.
• Strong ownership mentality, with a drive to see opportunities through from identification to contract award.
• Ability to visit active manufacturing facilities and project sites, which may require standing, walking, and climbing stairs or ladders.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required in shop and field environments.
• Estimated travel required, including visits to client locations, project sites, and industry events.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work on high-profile infrastructure and industrial projects nationwide
• Be part of the world’s largest manufacturer of movable bridge machinery
• Collaborate with a skilled, hands-on team that values craftsmanship and precision
• Long-term career growth with a family-owned company boasting over a century of manufacturing excellence
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer
• Participation in E-Verify for work authorization compliance