About the company
Our client is a specialist shipyard agent and marine services intermediary with offices in London and the Netherlands, representing an exclusive global network of over 25 partner shipyards and marine service companies. Founded over a decade ago by industry professionals who understood first-hand how difficult it can be to find the right partner for the job, the business acts as the trusted bridge between ship owners and managers and a carefully selected portfolio of yards and service providers capable of handling everything from dry dockings, repairs, conversions and new builds through to spare parts supply, riding squads and technical marine services.
The business operates with a small, close-knit team and has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability and straight-talking service. Their partner shipyards span multiple countries across Europe, the Americas and Asia, giving clients worldwide coverage backed by direct relationships and hands-on project management. This is a commercially ambitious business at an exciting point in its development, and this hire sits at the very centre of that next stage of growth.
About the role
This is a new and pivotal commercial role within the business. Our client is looking for a driven, personable Business Development Executive to join the London office and take the lead on growing their client base across the UK shipping market. While the role is based in London, the successful candidate will also be expected to develop and manage relationships with clients in the Benelux region, with travel to the Netherlands and Belgium required as the role develops.
You will be working directly alongside the founders, with full access to the company's network of partner yards and service providers, and the freedom to develop your own approach to market. The initial focus will be on generating dry docking enquiries and spare parts business from shipping companies, ship managers and fleet operators. In time, this role is expected to grow into a senior commercial position around which a wider team will be built. For the right person, this represents a genuine opportunity to shape the commercial function of a growing business and progress into a management role.
What you will be doing
You will proactively identify and approach shipping companies to generate business opportunities across the full range of services offered by the network. For dry docking, repair and maintenance opportunities you will primarily be engaging with technical superintendents and fleet managers, while spare parts enquiries will require you to build relationships with purchasing teams within shipping companies and ship managers.
You will develop a consistent pipeline of dry docking and ship repair enquiries alongside spare parts and marine services business from your client contacts.
You will manage relationships with existing and prospective clients from first contact through to enquiry, coordinating with the appropriate partner yard or service provider to ensure the right solution is matched to the client's needs. You will maintain clear records of activity, pipeline and enquiry progress, and report directly to the founders on commercial performance.
You will represent the business at industry events, leverage your existing network within the UK maritime market, and over time support the development of a commercial team as the business grows.
What we are looking for
Candidates will need a background in the maritime industry and a genuine understanding of how shipping companies operate commercially and technically. Experience within a shipyard, a ship management company, a marine services supplier or a port agency environment would all be relevant. What matters most is that you understand the dry docking and ship repair world, know how to talk to technical and commercial contacts within shipping companies, and have the confidence and drive to pick up the phone and develop new business.
You will be comfortable working in a small, entrepreneurial business where you take ownership of your own activity and results. You will be credible with senior contacts, organised in how you manage your pipeline, and motivated by the opportunity to earn well through commission on the business you generate. The role requires full-time attendance at the London office five days per week, and a full, valid driving licence is essential.
What is on offer
Our client is offering a salary of £40,000 to £50,000 depending on experience, with commission paid on dry dockings booked and spare parts and marine services business generated. This is a commercially uncapped opportunity for someone who performs well. Beyond the financial package, this role offers the chance to join a well-networked, growing business at a genuinely important moment, with a clear and supported path into a senior commercial and management position as the team is built around you.