Lead Business development - Shipbuilding

Job Summary :

The Lead Business Development Shipbuilding is responsible for driving revenue growth, market expansion, and strategic client acquisition within the shipbuilding sector. This role focuses on identifying and pursuing new shipbuilding projects, establishing long-term client relationships, and enhancing the shipyard’s market presence and reputation. Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer, this position will play a pivotal role in achieving the company’s business growth objectives through securing new contracts, optimizing client satisfaction, and coordinating cross-functional initiatives to drive successful project outcomes.

Job Responsibility :

Business Development & Strategy

• Develop and execute a strategic business development plan focused on the shipbuilding sector, in alignment with the company’s goals.
• Identify and evaluate market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to identify and capitalize on business opportunities.
• Lead efforts to secure new shipbuilding contracts, including cargo vessels, passenger ships, naval vessels, and specialized vessels for commercial or governmental clients.
• Formulate and implement market entry strategies to expand the company’s presence in both domestic and international markets.

Client Relationship Management

• Establish and nurture strong relationships with key clients, including shipping companies, government entities, and defense organizations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for key shipbuilding clients, ensuring timely, transparent communication and issue resolution.
• Conduct regular client meetings, negotiations, and presentations to secure long-term business partnerships and repeat contracts.

Proposal Development & Bid Management

• Lead the preparation and submission of technical and commercial proposals, coordinating closely with engineering, finance, estimation and legal teams.
• Oversee the end-to-end bid management process, from pre-qualification through contract negotiation and final award, ensuring alignment with client requirements and profitability standards.
• Conduct risk assessments, prepare cost-benefit analyses, and participate in contract negotiations to ensure favorable terms and risk mitigation.

Cross-Functional Coordination & Team Leadership

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (estimation, engineering, project management, finance) to ensure alignment between market demand and shipyard capabilities.
• Lead and mentor the business development team, fostering a high-performance culture through goal setting, continuous feedback, and skill development.
• Manage resource allocation within the business development function, ensuring efficient use of budget and team capacity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred.
• Professional certifications in project management, sales management, or contract negotiation are advantageous.

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum of 12-15 years of experience in business development, with significant exposure to the shipbuilding industry.
• Proven track record of winning high-value shipbuilding contracts, including experience in client relationship management and contract negotiation.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Indian and international shipbuilding markets, including regulatory requirements, industry trends, and customer expectations