Sales & Business Development – Ship Agency & Ship Chandlery

ApplyMint; Sharjah; On-site; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

ApplyMint, based in the UAE, seeks an experienced Business Development Manager to expand the client network, generate new business, and secure RFQs and contracts in ship agency and ship chandlery sectors.

The role requires a proven track record in shipping, deep UAE market knowledge, and strong sales, negotiation, and CRM skills to build long-term client accounts across UAE ports.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of proven sales, marketing and BD experience in shipping/marine sector.
• Strong knowledge of UAE market and local ports.
• Direct experience in ship agency and/or ship chandlery services.
• Established relationships with maritime decision-makers.
• Fluent written/spoken English; Arabic is an advantage.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Maritime Studies, Logistics or related field preferred.
• Valid UAE driving license preferred.
• Candidates outside shipping/marine sectors will not be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sales, marketing, and business development strategies for ship services.
• Identify and approach shipowners, managers, vessel operators, charterers, and procurement teams.
• Generate leads, arrange meetings, secure RFQs and tenders.
• Prepare proposals, tenders, quotations, and service agreements.
• Negotiate pricing and terms while protecting profitability.
• Maintain structured sales pipeline and CRM records.
• Meet monthly and annual targets for revenue and profits.

Skills

Sales

Negotiation

CRM

Presentation

Account management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Maritime Studies, Logistics, or related field

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Our group, based in Sharjah, UAE, provides ship agency and ship chandlery services to shipowners, ship managers, vessel operators, charterers, principals, and maritime clients across UAE ports. We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to expand our client network, generate new business, secure RFQs and contracts, and increase revenue across our ship agency and ship chandlery divisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement sales, marketing, and business development strategies for ship agency and ship chandlery services.
• Identify and approach shipowners, ship managers, vessel operators, charterers, principals, procurement departments, vessel masters, and maritime decision-makers.
• Generate qualified leads, arrange client meetings, secure RFQs and tenders, and develop long-term business opportunities across UAE ports.
• Promote port agency, husbandry, marine provisions, bonded stores, technical supplies, deck and engine stores, and other vessel support services.
• Convert commercial opportunities into profitable contracts and long-term client accounts.
• Build and maintain a structured sales pipeline covering prospects, active opportunities, quotations, follow-ups, and secured or lost business.
• Prepare commercial proposals, tenders, quotations, presentations, and service agreements in coordination with operations and management.
• Negotiate pricing, credit terms, service conditions, and commercial agreements while protecting company profitability.
• Develop existing key accounts, reactivate inactive clients, and introduce additional services to current customers.
• Conduct regular client visits and maintain strong relationships with maritime customers and key decision-makers.
• Monitor competitor activity, vessel movements, market developments, customer requirements, and new business opportunities.
• Coordinate with operations, procurement, warehouse, logistics, and accounts to ensure competitive quotations and reliable service delivery.
• Maintain accurate CRM records covering leads, meetings, RFQs, quotations, follow-ups, contracts, and client communication.
• Submit weekly and monthly reports covering client visits, new leads, RFQs, quotations, conversion rates, expected revenue, secured contracts, gross profit, and lost opportunities.
• Achieve agreed monthly and annual targets for new accounts, RFQs, sales revenue, gross profit, and business conversion.

• Minimum 10 years of proven experience in sales, marketing, and business development within the shipping, maritime, ship agency, ship chandlery, or marine services sector.
• Strong practical experience and proven knowledge of the UAE market are mandatory.
• Direct experience in ship agency and/or ship chandlery services is required. Experience across both business activities is strongly preferred.
• Established business relationships with shipowners, ship managers, vessel operators, charterers, principals, procurement departments, vessel masters, or other maritime decision-makers.
• Proven track record of generating leads, securing RFQs, acquiring new clients, negotiating commercial terms, and converting opportunities into profitable contracts.
• Strong understanding of port agency, vessel husbandry, marine provisions, bonded stores, technical supplies, and vessel support requirements.
• Good knowledge of UAE ports, including Sharjah, Hamriyah, Khor Fakkan, Dubai, Jebel Ali, Fujairah, and Abu Dhabi.
• Strong sales, negotiation, presentation, key account management, CRM, and commercial communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, achieve sales targets, and provide measurable business development results.
• Excellent written and spoken English is required. Arabic is an advantage.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Maritime Studies, Logistics, or a related field is preferred.
• A valid UAE driving licence is preferred.
• Candidates with only general marketing, digital marketing, social media, retail sales, or unrelated industry experience will not be considered.