Strategic Business Development Lead

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in Houston, TX seeks a Business Development Representative to independently identify and qualify opportunities, build client relationships, and contribute to pursuit execution within assigned accounts and markets. You will manage a personal pipeline, engage with working- and mid-management contacts, and influence deal strategy and pricing discussions.

The role requires knowledge of ABS processes and collaboration with proposals and delivery teams, with a focus

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field is required.
• Typically 2 to 4 years of experience in business development, sales, account management, or a related commercial function is required.
• Experience in a professional services, consulting, or technical sales environment is preferred.
• Working knowledge of ABS Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Management System is required.

Responsibilities

• Independently identify and qualify business opportunities within assigned accounts and markets. Apply go/no-go criteria to assess fit, probability, and strategic alignment, and maintain an organized personal pipeline.
• Build trusted relationships with client contacts at the working and mid-management level. Earn repeat engagement through dependability, relevant industry knowledge, and consistent follow-through. Expand personal network within assigned accounts.
• Participate in developing deal strategy for assigned opportunities. Contribute to pricing discussions and competitive positioning. Manage pursuit activities within scope and partner effectively with the proposals team on submission strategy and content.
• Take ownership of smaller or less complex accounts and drive day-to-day client engagement. Develop basic account plans that identify key contacts, current work, and near-term growth opportunities.
• Conduct straightforward needs assessments and map client challenges to appropriate company services. Engage technical and delivery resources to shape solutions and articulate company's value proposition clearly.
• Manage a personal pipeline and track progress against assigned revenue or activity targets. Understand basic pipeline metrics and keep opportunity data current.
• Own data quality for assigned accounts and opportunities in CRM. Keep opportunity records current—stages, values, close dates, and next steps reflect reality.
• Apply market and competitive knowledge to support client conversations and strengthen pursuit materials.
• Present company's capabilities and value proposition clearly in client-facing conversations.

Skills

Opportunity identification

Client relationships

Pursuit execution

Pipeline management

Pricing discussions

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Account planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

CRM

Job description

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in Houston, TX seeks a Business Development Representative to independently identify and qualify opportunities, build client relationships, and contribute to pursuit execution within assigned accounts and markets. You will manage a personal pipeline, engage with working- and mid-management contacts, and influence deal strategy and pricing discussions.

The role requires knowledge of ABS processes and collaboration with proposals and delivery teams, with a focus