Marine Business Development Director

UNAVAILABLE; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cajun Industries is seeking a Business Development Director – Marine Markets to lead strategic growth in Baton Rouge, LA, focusing on expanding Cajun's marine capabilities with owners, engineers, ports, and industry partners.

The role partners with operations, estimators, and executive leadership to drive pursuit strategies, participate in go/no-go decisions, and support budgeting and forecasting. Requires 10–15+ years in marine BD and a strong Gulf Coast network.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of business development, operations, or project management experience within the marine construction industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of marine construction delivery methods, clients, and procurement processes.
• Strong network throughout the Gulf Coast marine market preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies that support growth within the marine construction market.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new project opportunities across public and private marine sectors.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, owners, engineers, EPC firms, ports, and strategic partners.
• Represent Cajun at industry conferences, networking events, association meetings, and client functions.
• Mentor junior business development professionals as needed.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and annual business planning activities.

Job description

Overview

OVERVIEWThe Business Development Director – Marine Markets is responsible for developing and executing strategic business development initiatives that expand Cajun Industries' presence within the marine construction market. This role builds and maintains relationships with owners, engineers, port authorities, contractors, and industry partners while identifying new project opportunities that align with Cajun's marine capabilities. The position works closely with operations, estimating, and executive leadership to support sustainable growth and achieve business development objectives.

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and execute business development strategies that support growth within the marine construction market.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new project opportunities across public and private marine sectors.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, owners, engineers, EPC firms, ports, and strategic partners.
• Represent Cajun at industry conferences, networking events, association meetings, and client functions.
• Maintain awareness of upcoming capital projects, funding opportunities, and market trends.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned marine accounts.
• Build long-term client relationships through consistent engagement and exceptional service.
• Coordinate executive meetings, presentations, and project pursuit strategies.
• Support contract negotiations and overall client satisfaction.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Estimating, Engineering, Marketing, and Executive Leadership to develop winning pursuit strategies.
• Participate in go/no-go decisions, capture planning, and proposal development.
• Provide market intelligence to support business planning and forecasting.
• Maintain CRM activity and opportunity pipeline.

Leadership

• Support department initiatives that align with Cajun's overall business development strategy.
• Mentor junior business development professionals as needed.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and annual business planning activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10–15+ years of business development, operations, or project management experience within the marine construction industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of marine construction delivery methods, clients, and procurement processes.
• Strong network throughout the Gulf Coast marine market preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple organizational levels.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and grow strategic client relationships.
• Strong understanding of market trends and competitive positioning.

Physical

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee may be required to:

• Remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods during office work and meetings.
• Move periodically across office settings, client venues, and active project or site locations.
• Operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information in person, electronically, and during virtual or telephone meetings.
• Lift or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Mental

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee may be required to:

• Direct, collaborate with, and communicate with executives, clients, and project teams.
• Interpret and apply company policies, safety protocols, and written instructions.
• Perform mathematical calculations, analyze business data, and review project estimates.
• Maintain accuracy, productivity, and attention to detail while managing competing priorities in an active office environment with frequent interruptions.
• Process, retain, and manage complex project details, contractual requirements, and client data.