Business Development Officer

Accountabilities

• Business Development & Strategy
• Develop and execute a strategic business development plan focused on the shipbuilding sector, in alignment with the companys 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.

• Market Research and Opportunity Identification
• Conduct in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, potential clients, and new business opportunities in the shipbuilding sector.
• Analyze competitors and market conditions to support strategy development and identify potential areas of competitive advantage.
• Monitor industry developments and regulatory changes, providing insights that may impact the shipyards business objectives.

• Lead Generation and Client Outreach
• Identify and qualify new business leads in both domestic and international markets, focusing on shipbuilding clients, including commercial shipping companies, government agencies, and defense contractors.
• Develop and maintain a database of potential clients, tracking contacts, opportunities, and relevant business information.
• Coordinate initial outreach efforts to prospective clients through calls, emails, and in-person meetings to introduce the shipyards capabilities.

• Proposal Development and Support
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, and project management teams to gather information for proposals and ensure alignment with client requirements.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals, bids, and presentations to support the acquisition of new projects in shipbuilding.
• Ensure proposals are accurate, compelling, and delivered within the required timelines.

• Client Relationship Management
• Support ongoing communication with existing and prospective clients, building relationships that contribute to long-term business growth.
• Respond to client inquiries, provide information on shipyard capabilities, and assist with any follow-up actions required post-presentation or proposal submission.

• Reporting and Analysis
• Maintain records of business development activities, leads, and opportunities, ensuring data is current and accessible for reporting.
• Provide regular updates to the Lead Business Development (Shipbuilding) on progress with potential clients, pipeline status, and market feedback.
• Support the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of business development efforts.

Interactions and Working Relationships

• Internal:
• Lead Business Development (Shipbuilding): Reports directly, providing updates on lead generation, client interactions, and proposal development.
• Engineering and Technical Teams: Collaborate to obtain necessary technical input for proposals and client presentations.
• Finance Department: Work closely to understand financial aspects of projects, including costing and profitability, to support bid development.
• Project Management Teams: Coordinate to gather project details and timelines for proposals, ensuring delivery alignment with client expectations.
• External:
• Prospective Clients: Engage with potential clients to introduce the shipyard’s services, understand client needs, and facilitate initial contact with key stakeholders.
• Industry Associations and Events: Attend industry events, trade shows, and conferences to network, gather market insights, and represent the shipyard in a professional capacity.
• Suppliers and Consultants: Liaise with external consultants and vendors as needed to support business development activities, such as proposal preparation or client presentations.

Financial Authorities

• As per DOA policy

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business Administration, or a related Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Marine Studies, or a related field.
• An MBA or additional certifications in business development or sales management is a plus.

• Preferred Experience:
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in business development, sales, or marketing, within the maritime, shipbuilding, or heavy engineering sectors.
• Experience in lead generation, client management, and proposal support, with a focus on building and maintaining relationships in a B2B environment.
• Familiarity with the shipbuilding industry and knowledge of the regulatory and competitive landscape is advantageous.

• Functional and Behavioral Competency:
• Research and Analytical Skills: Strong research capabilities with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret market data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients and stakeholders.
• Organizational and Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Technical Acumen: Basic understanding of shipbuilding processes and technical aspects to support effective proposal development and client communication.
• Proficiency in CRM and Office Tools: Familiarity with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and other tools for lead tracking, reporting, and proposal development.