Business Development Manager

Company: ASCO UK Limited

Employment Type: Full Time/Permanent

Location: Aberdeen

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday flexibility required to attend occasional out of hours events).

The Business Development Manager (BDM) will play a pivotal role in launching and expanding a newly formed Marine and Offshore Recruitment Joint Venture. The role focuses on contributing to and executing the commercial growth strategy, driving market presence, and securing new business opportunities within the marine sector.

Working closely with the Leadership and Marketing teams, the BDM will promote the joint venture's brand, build and maintain strong client relationships, and secure recruitment and crew placement opportunities for the business as a trusted recruitment partner across the maritime and offshore industries. The role requires an entrepreneurial mindset, a strong professional network within the marine market, and a deep understanding of recruitment practices and compliance requirements relevant to the sector. Roles and responsibilities include:

Strategic Business Development

• Contribute to and execute the commercial growth strategy for the Marine and Offshore Recruitment joint venture.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities with ship owners, ship managers, vessel operators, and marine contractors.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to enhance brand visibility and drive targeted awareness campaigns.
• Represent the company at maritime and offshore industry events, exhibitions, and conferences to promote services and build the company's profile.
• Prepare and deliver client presentations, proposals, and tender submissions to secure contracts.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities to inform business planning and ensure strategic alignment.

Client & Partner Relationship Management

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients and industry stakeholders in the marine sector.
• Serve as the main commercial contact for client accounts, ensuring consistent engagement and high service levels.
• Negotiate terms and secure long-term recruitment partnerships and framework agreements.
• Work closely with joint venture partners and internal teams to align commercial and operational objectives.

Operational & Strategic Collaboration

• Partner with recruitment and operations teams to ensure service delivery capability matches client requirements.
• Support the development of recruitment service offerings and pricing models aligned to marine sector needs.
• Maintain accurate CRM records of leads, opportunities, and client communications.
• Provide regular reports, forecasts, and performance updates to the leadership team.
• Support the delivery of contracts as required.

Minimum Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours)

• Proven success in business development or commercial roles within the marine sector, ideally marine recruitment, ship management, or maritime services.
• Established professional network across the maritime industry.
• Strong understanding of MLC 2006, STCW, flag state, and associated recruitment compliance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to convert leads into sustainable business.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Commercially focused, proactive, and results driven.
• Confident and professional when representing the business externally.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable in start-up or fast-growth environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and digital communication tools.
• Collaborative, ethical, and committed to delivering excellent client service.

Minimum Qualifications/Competencies

• Proven maritime industry experience, or appropriate experience with customers across the maritime sector.
• Full valid UK driving license (or international equivalent).

Desirable Qualifications/Competencies

• Experience supporting the launch or growth of a new recruitment or marine services business.
• Previous experience in international client development.
• Relevant professional qualification or degree in a maritime related field.

As you would expect from a highly progressive company, an attractive remuneration package is available to the successful applicant. When applying, your CV should include your current/most recent employment, which clearly demonstrates examples of the skills and behaviours required for the above role.

If you require any adjustments or would prefer an alternative method to apply as part of an inclusive recruitment process, please contact us at or by telephone on and we'll be happy to help.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I)

ASCO is committed to supporting and promoting Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I). This commitment is embraced by our Group Board and our Management Board and informs all of our activities and their impact on our customers, employees and our stakeholders.

Closing Date:

09/12/2025