General Manager, Business Development (Ship Management)

Role Overview

We are seeking a General Manager, Business Development to lead commercial growth and expand the ship-management portfolio. The successful candidate will develop shipowner relationships, secure new management contracts and work closely with operational leadership to deliver services aligned with client requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies to grow the managed fleet and achieve commercial targets.

• Identify opportunities for technical management, crew management and related maritime services.

• Build relationships with shipowners, investors and senior decision-makers across target markets.

• Lead the sales process from prospecting and proposal preparation through negotiation and contract signing.

• Oversee tenders, presentations and the negotiation of management fees and service agreements.

• Work with technical, marine, crewing and finance teams to assess prospective contracts and develop competitive proposals.

• Manage strategic accounts, support renewals and identify opportunities to expand existing relationships.

• Coordinate the handover of new contracts to operational teams for vessel onboarding.

• Monitor market developments, competitor activities and customer feedback.

• Maintain sales forecasts and report on pipeline progress, revenue opportunities and growth performance.

• Lead and develop the business development team.

• Represent the business at client meetings, conferences and industry events.

Requirements

• Degree in Maritime Studies, Business, Engineering or a related discipline.

• At least 10 years of relevant maritime commercial or business development experience, including senior leadership responsibilities.

• Proven success securing ship-management contracts and developing long-term shipowner relationships.

• Strong understanding of technical management, crewing, vessel operations and ship-management agreements.

• Established industry network and experience engaging senior stakeholders internationally.

• Strong negotiation, presentation and commercial analysis skills.

• Experience managing complex tenders and leading business development teams.

• Ability to align client expectations with operational capabilities and commercial objectives.

• Willing to travel internationally as required.