Business Development Manager / Officer

About This Role

Role Overview

The Business Development Manager / Officer will be responsible for developing and managing business opportunities in ship repair, shipbuilding, ship conversion, and dry-docking services. Acting as the UAE market representative and agent, the role focuses on identifying, engaging, and liaising with UAE-based ship owners, technical managers, fleet managers, and superintendents responsible for selecting dry dock and repair locations.

The objective is to attract vessels to the dry dock and repair yard through strong industry relationships, market intelligence, and proactive client engagement.

Key Responsibilities Business Development & Client Acquisition

• Identify and target UAE-based ship owners, ship management companies, and fleet operators.
• Establish and maintain relationships with technical managers, senior technical heads, superintendents, and decision-makers responsible for dry docking and repair planning.
• Promote ship repair, shipbuilding, ship conversion, and dry-docking services to the UAE market.
• Actively procure vessels for scheduled dry docking, repairs, retrofits, and conversions.

Client Liaison & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact between UAE clients and the Bahrain-based yard.
• Coordinate technical discussions, project scopes, timelines, and preliminary commercial discussions.
• Maintain long-term relationships to ensure repeat business and client retention.
• Represent the company professionally in meetings, industry events, and networking forums.

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Monitor UAE maritime market trends, fleet movements, and upcoming dry dock requirements.
• Maintain a database of UAE-based ship owners, operators, and technical personnel.
• Provide feedback to management on pricing trends, competitor activity, and client expectations.

Marketing Support

• Collaborate with the Bahrain-based team to localize marketing collateral; share technical insights, project milestones such as successful complex conversions, and shipyard updates via professional platforms like LinkedIn to build authority.
• Lead the planning and execution of boutique client appreciation events, technical seminars, and participation at major UAE maritime exhibitions such as Seatrade Maritime and ADIPEC.
• Utilize CRM tools to track the marketing-to-sales funnel, ensuring that every lead generated through marketing efforts is nurtured through consistent follow-ups.
• Develop and propose UAE-specific seasonal campaigns to incentivize owners during specific market windows.

Coordination & Support

• Liaise with technical and commercial teams to align client requirements with yard capabilities.
• Support proposal preparation, technical clarifications, and client negotiations, with commercial finalization handled jointly with management.
• Assist in marketing initiatives and client presentations when required.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong network within the UAE maritime industry, particularly among ship owners and technical managers.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Solid understanding of dry docking, ship repair, and marine technical operations.
• Ability to work independently and proactively generate business.
• Commercial awareness and a client-focused mindset.
• Professional representation and strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in:
• Ship repair / dry dock marketing
• Ship management companies
• Marine services business development
• Prior experience dealing with technical managers, superintendents, or fleet managers is highly preferred.
• Existing relationships within UAE-based ship owning or ship management companies will be a strong advantage.

Preferred Profile

• UAE-based candidate with strong local industry exposure.
• Background in ship repair yards, marine service companies, or ship management firms.
• Self-driven, well-connected, and capable of acting as a trusted industry representative.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Competitive base salary, with a modest fixed component
• High-performance, incentive-based commission structure
• Uncapped earning potential based on performance
• Travel and business development expenses reimbursed as per company policy
• Visa and standard UAE employment benefits, if applicable

This role is designed for a highly motivated, network-driven professional who prefers strong upside through incentives rather than a high fixed salary.