Business Development Manager

Job Title:
Business Development Manager - Marine & Offshore Recruitment

Location:
Flexible, with travel as required to Aberdeen and Norway

Overview

We are recruiting on behalf of our client for a Business Development Manager (BDM) to support the launch and expansion of a newly formed Marine and Offshore Recruitment Venture.

This position plays a key role in developing and executing the company's commercial growth strategy, driving market presence, and securing new business opportunities within the marine and offshore sectors.

Working closely with leadership and marketing teams, the BDM will promote the joint venture's brand, develop strong client relationships, and secure recruitment and crew placement opportunities across the maritime industry.

The ideal candidate will possess an entrepreneurial mindset, an established professional network in the marine sector, and a thorough understanding of recruitment practices and compliance requirements within maritime and offshore environments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development

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

Client & Partner Relationship Management

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients and key stakeholders in the marine and offshore sectors.
• Serve as the main commercial contact for assigned accounts, ensuring consistent engagement and high service standards.
• 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 aligns with client expectations.
• Support the development of recruitment service offerings and pricing models tailored to marine sector needs.
• Maintain accurate CRM records of leads, opportunities, and client communications.
• Provide regular reports, forecasts, and performance updates to leadership.
• Support the delivery of contracts as required.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Professional qualification or degree in a maritime-related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Valid UK driving licence (or equivalent).
• Proven success in business development or commercial roles within the marine or maritime services sector, ideally within recruitment or crew management.
• Strong professional network of clients and contacts across the marine industry.
• Sound knowledge of
  MLC 2006
  ,
  STCW
  , flag state, and related recruitment and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Commercially astute, proactive, and results-driven.
• Confident and professional when representing the business externally.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and effective in a start-up or fast-growth environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and digital communication tools.
• Collaborative, ethical, and committed to delivering high service standards.

Desirable

• Experience supporting the launch or growth of a new recruitment or marine services business.
• Multi-lingual capability and experience in international client development.

HSSEQ

• Promote a strong culture of
  Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality (HSSEQ)
  in all business development activities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal standards, and industry regulations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within commercial and operational processes.