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Research Development Manager information

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$44K

$92.3K

$149.6K

How much do research development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development manager in Alabama is $92,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,200.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research and development manager do?

A research and development manager oversees the development of new products, processes, or technologies within an organization. They coordinate research activities, manage teams of scientists or engineers, and ensure projects meet technical and business goals, often using project management tools and industry standards.

How much do R&D managers make in the US?

Research and Development (R&D) managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $90,000 to over $180,000 depending on experience, industry, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and require strong leadership and project management skills to oversee innovation and product development teams.

What is the difference between Research Development Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Development ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, along with project management experienceUsually holds a master's or Ph.D. in a specific scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and coordinates research efforts within organizationsConducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops new scientific knowledge
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in R&D departments across industries like pharmaceuticals, tech, and manufacturingFound in laboratories, research institutes, and academic settings

The Research Development Manager focuses on overseeing research projects, managing teams, and aligning research goals with organizational strategies. In contrast, the Research Scientist primarily conducts experiments and generates scientific data. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is a Research Development Manager?

A Research Development Manager is a professional responsible for supporting and enhancing research activities within an organization, typically in academic, scientific, or corporate settings. They help identify funding opportunities, facilitate collaborations, and provide strategic guidance to researchers during grant proposal development. Their role often includes managing research projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and helping translate research ideas into successful funding applications. Research Development Managers play a critical role in advancing the organization's research agenda and maximizing funding success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Manager, you need strong project management, grant writing, and analytical skills, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities help you build partnerships and lead cross-functional teams effectively. These skills are crucial for securing research funding, ensuring compliance, and advancing organizational research goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Development Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing multiple complex projects, securing funding, and coordinating across diverse teams. To address these, strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential. Building robust relationships with researchers, administrators, and external partners helps streamline collaboration, while staying updated on funding opportunities can increase success rates for grant proposals. Regularly attending professional development workshops also helps managers stay current with best practices in research administration.

Is R&D stressful as a career?

Research and Development Managers often face stress due to project deadlines, innovation demands, and managing cross-functional teams. The role requires problem-solving skills, adaptability, and often involves long hours, especially during critical phases of product development or research projects.

What is the role of a research and development manager?

A research and development manager oversees the development of new products, processes, or technologies within an organization. They coordinate research activities, manage teams of scientists or engineers, and ensure projects align with company goals, often utilizing project management tools and technical expertise.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Research Development Manager jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Research Development Manager job openings:
Research Development Manager jobs near you
Senior Business Development Manager - Heavy Industrial Projects

Senior Business Development Manager - Heavy Industrial Projects

Steward Machine

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

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