Strategic Marine Markets Growth Director

MarineConstruction Magazine; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cajun Industries in Houston, TX seeks a seasoned Business Development Director to drive marine market growth, build long-term client relationships, and identify strategic project opportunities. You will work with operations, estimating, and leadership to pursue winning proposals, monitor market trends, and represent the company at conferences, ports, and industry events.

This role requires a deep Gulf Coast network, strong communication skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a

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.

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.
• Maintain awareness of upcoming capital projects, funding opportunities, and market trends.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Job description

Cajun Industries in Houston, TX seeks a seasoned Business Development Director to drive marine market growth, build long-term client relationships, and identify strategic project opportunities. You will work with operations, estimating, and leadership to pursue winning proposals, monitor market trends, and represent the company at conferences, ports, and industry events.

This role requires a deep Gulf Coast network, strong communication skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a