General Manager, Business Development (Ship Management)

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global in Singapore is seeking a General Manager, Business Development to drive commercial growth for the ship-management portfolio. You will develop relationships with shipowners, win new management contracts, and guide market expansion while collaborating with technical and operational leadership.

You will lead a BD team, set targets, manage tenders, and coordinate handovers to operations. The role requires extensive maritime BD experience, strong negotiation skills, and an

Qualifications

• Degree in Maritime Studies, Business, Engineering or related discipline.
• At least 10 years of maritime commercial or BD experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Proven success in securing ship-management contracts and developing shipowner relationships.
• Strong understanding of technical management, crewing, vessel operations and ship-management agreements.
• Established industry network with senior decision-makers across international markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement 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 key decision-makers across target markets.
• Lead the business development process from prospecting and proposal preparation through negotiation and contract signing.
• Structure commercial proposals and management fees in consultation with operational, finance and legal teams.
• Oversee tender submissions, client presentations and ship-management agreement negotiations.
• Work with technical and marine teams to assess prospective vessels and ensure proposed services meet client requirements.
• Manage strategic accounts, support contract renewals and identify opportunities to expand existing relationships.
• Coordinate the handover of new contracts to operational teams to support smooth vessel onboarding.
• Monitor market developments, competitor activity and client feedback to inform growth priorities.
• Lead and develop the business development team, setting targets and reviewing performance.
• Report on the sales pipeline, revenue forecasts and progress against growth objectives.
• Represent the business at industry events, conferences and client meetings.

Skills

Maritime sales

Leadership

Contract negotiation

Market development

Stakeholder relationships

Tender management

Strategic accounts

Financial analysis

International travel

Business strategy

Education

Maritime Studies/Business/Engineering degree

Job description

We are seeking a General Manager, Business Development to lead commercial growth and expand the ship-management portfolio. The successful candidate will develop relationships with shipowners, secure new management contracts and guide market expansion while working closely with technical and operational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

• Structure commercial proposals and management fees in consultation with operational, finance and legal teams.

• Oversee tender submissions, client presentations and ship-management agreement negotiations.

• Work with technical and marine teams to assess prospective vessels and ensure proposed services meet client requirements.

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

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

• Monitor market developments, competitor activity and client feedback to inform growth priorities.

• Lead and develop the business development team, setting targets and reviewing performance.

• Report on the sales pipeline, revenue forecasts and progress against growth objectives.

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

Requirements

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

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

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

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

• Established industry network and experience engaging senior decision-makers across international markets.

• Strong commercial judgement, negotiation and financial analysis skills.

• Experience leading teams and managing complex tenders and contract negotiations.

• Ability to align commercial commitments with operational capabilities.

• Willing to travel internationally as required.