Small Business Development Manager

The Small Business Development Manager plays a critical, hands-on role in executing and promoting Absher Constructions established strategies for supplier and small business inclusion. This position is responsible for advancing the companys outreach, compliance, and reporting efforts related to small business participation on construction projects many of which include formal requirements tied to public funding or client-specific goals.

Acting as a bridge between Abshers project teams and small business partners, this manager supports ongoing programs that help qualified firms navigate the unique demands of construction subcontracting. This includes identifying capable small businesses, removing participation barriers, and working closely with internal teams (e.g., estimating, procurement, operations) to align opportunities with contractual goals.

This is a roll-up-your-sleeves, team-of-one role ideal for someone who thrives in the field and is motivated by results, not just strategy.

What You'll Do

• Advance and promote established small business strategies by engaging internal teams and external partners to drive project-specific goals and long-term partnerships
• Serve as Abshers primary representative at outreach events including small business fairs, educational forums, community gatherings, and industry advisory board meetings in a consistently public-facing role that requires strong public speaking and stakeholder engagement skills
• Build strong working relationships with small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned firms to increase subcontractor participation
• Act as a liaison between small business partners and project teams, identifying barriers to entry and working collaboratively (e.g., with estimating, compliance, or field teams) to find practical solutions
• Report and track small business participation requirements across multiple public and private projects, including data entry, analysis, and timely documentation
• Be familiar with compliance tracking and documentation requirements on publicly funded projects, including use of tools such as B2GNow, LCPTracker, and the federal governments electronic subcontracting reporting system (e.g., ESRS)
• Document and communicate program performance using clear metrics, project summaries, and impact reports
• Collaborate with marketing and community engagement teams to share outreach efforts and highlight small business success stories

Why You'll Be Successful

• 5+ years of relevant experience in construction, public works, or supplier-focused roles
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal certification programs (i.e., OMWBE, King County SCS, and similar)
• Direct experience with subcontracting processes on publicly funded construction projects
• Strong data management and reporting skills experience with B2GNow, LCPTracker, or ESRS preferred
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across all levels from field crews to community stakeholders
• Self-starter comfortable managing competing priorities and independently moving work forward

Preferred

• Bachelors degree in Public Administration, Communications, Construction Management, or a related field
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal small business compliance programs
• Experience navigating PLA, CWA, TERO, or HUD Section 3 requirements

Physical Requirements

• Frequent travel to jobsites and community events
• Occasional evening or weekend availability for outreach events
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs for event setup and materials transport