Commercial Manager (Marine & Offshore)

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global in Singapore is seeking a commercially driven Business Development Manager to grow the shipping portfolio and secure new revenue streams. The role centers on identifying opportunities and developing relationships with shipowners, managers, charterers, and brokers to expand market presence.

You will lead market-entry strategies across routes and vessel segments, while collaborating with operations, finance and technical teams to ensure viability and profitability.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in business development, commercial management, chartering, or sales within the shipping industry.
• Willingness to travel for client meetings and industry events when required.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities to expand shipping operations and revenue streams.
• Establish and maintain relationships with shipowners, charterers, shipbrokers, cargo owners and other stakeholders.
• Explore new markets, routes, cargo segments and partnerships to support growth.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase market presence and profitability.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and chartering arrangements in line with company objectives.
• Collaborate with operations, chartering, technical and finance teams to ensure viability.
• Manage existing client relationships while pursuing new accounts and partnerships.
• Monitor performance, revenue opportunities and profitability against targets.
• Represent the company at maritime events and industry conferences.
• Provide regular reports on sales pipelines and market developments to senior management.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Negotiation

Communication skills

Relationship building

Analytical skills

Travel willingness

Education

Diploma or Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related discipline

Job description

Job Description: Business Development Manager

Industry: Shipping / Shipowner

Job Summary

We are seeking a commercially driven Business Development Manager to drive business growth and expand the company's shipping portfolio. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities and developing relationships with shipowners/managers.

This role requires a strong understanding of the shipping industry, excellent commercial acumen, and the ability to build long-term relationships with key industry players.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities to expand the company's shipping operations and revenue streams.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with shipowners, charterers, shipbrokers, cargo owners, and other maritime stakeholders.
• Explore new markets, trade routes, cargo segments, and potential business partnerships to support the company's growth strategy.
• Develop and execute business development strategies to increase market presence and profitability.
• Identify potential vessel chartering opportunities, cargo contracts, and strategic commercial partnerships.
• Conduct market research and competitor activities, and industry developments.
• Prepare commercial proposals, business plans, feasibility studies, and presentations for management review.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, chartering arrangements, and business contracts in line with the company's objectives.
• Work closely with the operations, chartering, technical, and finance teams to ensure commercial opportunities are operationally and financially viable.
• Manage existing client relationships while actively pursuing new accounts and partnerships.
• Monitor business performance, revenue opportunities, and profitability to achieve agreed business development targets.
• Represent the company at maritime events, industry conferences, and networking functions to strengthen market presence.
• Provide regular reports on sales pipelines, market developments, commercial opportunities, and business performance to senior management.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in business development, commercial management, chartering, or sales within the shipping industry.
• Experience working with a shipowner, ship operator, ship manager, charterer, or shipbroking firm will be advantageous.
• Good understanding of shipping markets, vessel operations, chartering practices, and commercial shipping activities.
• Strong network of industry contacts, including shipowners, charterers, shipbrokers, or cargo owners, will be an advantage.
• Proven ability to identify new business opportunities, negotiate commercial terms, and develop long-term client relationships.
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical skills, and business negotiation capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented, with the ability to work independently and achieve business targets.
• Willingness to travel for client meetings, industry events, and business development activities when required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing business for a shipowner or vessel-owning company.
• Exposure to dry bulk, tankers, container shipping, offshore vessels, or other relevant vessel segments.