Commercial Executive

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global is seeking a Commercial Executive in Singapore to support business development and commercial activities for a shipyard. You will manage enquiries, prepare quotations and tender submissions, and coordinate with internal teams across the project lifecycle.

The role requires 3–5 years in commercial or business development within shipyards or marine industries, with strong negotiation and communication skills in English.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Maritime Studies, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Business or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years in commercial, sales, tendering or business development in shipyards or marine sectors.
• Experience with shipbuilding, vessel repair, conversion or upgrading projects preferred.
• Strong understanding of shipyard operations, costing and contracts.
• Able to interpret technical specifications, repair lists and tender documents.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue business opportunities involving vessel construction, repair, conversion and upgrading projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with shipowners, ship managers, offshore operators and other maritime clients.
• Handle customer enquiries and assess the commercial and technical requirements of each project.
• Prepare quotations, cost estimates, commercial proposals and tender submissions.
• Coordinate with engineering, production, procurement and project teams to establish project scope, cost and schedule.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms and contract conditions with customers.
• Review commercial agreements and highlight contractual risks to management.
• Monitor tender progress and follow up with customers to secure project awards.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Negotiation

Customer management

Communication

Coordination

Numerical/analytical skills

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Maritime Studies / Naval Architecture / Marine Engineering / Business degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project-management systems

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a Commercial Executive to support the business development and commercial activities of a shipyard. The successful candidate will manage customer enquiries, prepare quotations and tender submissions, negotiate commercial terms and coordinate with internal departments throughout the project lifecycle. This role is suitable for a commercially driven professional with experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, vessel conversion or the wider marine and offshore industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue business opportunities involving vessel construction, repair, conversion and upgrading projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with shipowners, ship managers, offshore operators and other maritime clients.
• Handle customer enquiries and assess the commercial and technical requirements of each project.
• Prepare quotations, cost estimates, commercial proposals and tender submissions.
• Coordinate with engineering, production, procurement and project teams to establish project scope, cost and schedule.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, contract conditions and project deliverables with customers.
• Review commercial agreements and highlight contractual risks to management.
• Monitor tender progress and follow up with customers to secure project awards.
• Support the commercial handover of awarded contracts to project and operations teams.
• Manage commercial matters throughout project execution, including variations, additional work and claims.
• Monitor project costs, billing milestones, outstanding payments and commercial performance.
• Maintain accurate records of enquiries, quotations, contracts and customer communications.
• Monitor shipyard market developments, competitor activities and upcoming project opportunities.
• Attend customer meetings, vessel inspections, industry events and commercial presentations as required.
• Prepare regular sales forecasts, business-development updates and commercial reports for management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or degree in Maritime Studies, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Business or a related discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of commercial, sales, tendering or business-development experience within a shipyard, marine or offshore environment.
• Experience with shipbuilding, vessel repair, conversion or upgrading projects would be advantageous.
• Good understanding of shipyard operations, project costing and commercial contracts.
• Able to interpret technical specifications, repair lists and tender documents.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation and customer-management skills.
• Able to coordinate effectively with technical, production and project teams.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant commercial or project-management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.