Cowin and Company, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a family-owned heavy civil construction company specializing in underground mining, tunneling, vertical and incline shafts, drill-and-blast work, and infrastructure projects. With a rich heritage spanning generations, Cowin and Company has solidified its reputation as a trusted leader in the mining industry.

Cowin and Company has experienced remarkable growth, driven by a steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation in mining operations. From implementing state-of-the-art technology to employing highly skilled professionals, the company ensures the delivery of top-quality results on every project. Cowin and Company prioritizes safety and environmental responsibility, upholding the highest industry standards while fostering a supportive workplace culture that values employee well-being and professional development.

Position Objective

The Director of Business Development will lead Cowin’s external growth strategy in a highly relationship-driven heavy civil and mining environment, with a focus on proactively generating new opportunities, deepening trusted client relationships, and expanding Cowin’s market presence. Reporting directly to the Vice President, this individual will own the business development pipeline, partner closely with engineering and operations to support estimating and proposal efforts, and help shape a more disciplined, forward-looking approach to growth. Early success will be defined by developing a deep understanding of Cowin’s services and markets, building internal credibility, and establishing an organized, transparent BD pipeline. Within the first year, this role should show clear progress through a healthier pipeline, stronger client relationships, and increased market presence. It offers high ownership, executive access, and long-term leadership potential.

Position Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective mining and heavy civil clients
• Own and manage Cowin’s client database and business development pipeline
• Generate leads through networking, referrals, trade shows, and industry events
• Collaborate with engineering and estimating teams to support budgets, bids, and proposals
• Lead or coordinate marketing initiatives, including social media presence and marketing materials 
• Promote Cowin’s brand, capabilities, and reputation in the marketplace
• Track BD activity and performance based on profitable work secured 
• Build relationships that result in new RFP visibility
• Identify and pursue adjacent underground opportunities 
• Operate with a hunter mentality while maintaining Cowin’s reputation-first approach

Skills and Experience Needed

• 5+ years of experience in heavy civil construction and/or mining environments
• 5+ years of project management experience strongly preferred
• 2+ years of business development experience
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience winning or supporting technically complex, relationship-driven work
• Self-motivated and highly accountable
• Organized, diligent, and persistent
• Comfortable operating independently in a lean structure
• “Dogged pursuit” mentality with long-term relationship focus
• Strong communicator with natural credibility
• Ability to speak the language of underground construction and mining
• Comfortable developing high-level conceptual budgets and scope conversations early in the sales cycle
• Partners closely with engineering and operations to qualify opportunities before full pursuit