Our client is focused on end-to-end retrofit solutions for maritime and offshore energy projects. Due to a business expansion, we are looking for a Business Development Manager to be located in Italy (or in Europe) to support the acquisition of new clients.
Role Overview
The BD Manager - Maritime / Offshore / Cruise / General Maritime will drive global sales growth for engineering and vessel upgrade services. This role combines strategic sales activities with hands-on customer development, account nurturing and securing projects. The BD Manager role will be clearly defined and measured with tangible and achievable KPI`s across all sectors. Reporting, Communication, and Effective Teamwork are essential in this role.
The successful candidate will lead efforts to grow the client base, identify new market opportunities, develop key relationships, and contribute to client's positioning as a go-to partner for vessel retrofits and upgrades.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy & Growth Implementation
* Develop and execute global sales strategies to expand presence in maritime and offshore energy, cruise, and commercial marine sectors
* Set and manage sales targets aligned with company revenue goals
* Identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities, managing leads throughout the sales cycle
* Represent the company at key industry events, trade shows, and client meetings
* Collaborate with internal departments (engineering, PM, marketing) to ensure a seamless handover from sales to execution
Account Management & Client Retention
* Function as key point of contact for strategic accounts to ensure continuity and long-term client satisfaction
* Understand client business models, operations, and project needs to proactively propose relevant solutions
* Track project performance, provide after-sales support, and initiate follow-up sales based on performance or vessel lifecycle changes
* Maintain a structured account review process and identify expansion opportunities within existing clients
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders
* Research and understand customer profiles in targeted markets, tailoring the sales approach to meet their specific needs
* Collaborate with marketing, engineering, and project management to ensure alignment on customer expectations and delivery
* Monitor and report on trends across vessel types, regions, and project categories relevant to company's core services
* Benchmark competitors and assess market saturation, pricing models, and positioning strategies
* Create regular market insights reports to guide tactical decisions and product / service alignment
* Monitor market trends, competition, and customer needs to stay ahead of changes
* Analyze the performance of sales and marketing campaigns and report insights to Sales Management
Performance Management & Reporting
* Maintain accurate CRM records, forecasts, and performance dashboards
* Generate actionable reports to evaluate campaign performance, sales KPIs, and clientpipeline health
* Propose course-corrections or campaigns in collaboration with marketing to address underperforming segments
* Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to showcase the company’s retrofit expertise.
Requirements
* Relevant qualification in Mechanical / Marine Engineering or a related field
* Proven experience in successful sales or account management in the maritime, offshore, or marine engineering sector
* Strong knowledge of vessel operations, retrofitting, or lifecycle management is an advantage
* At least 5 years of experience in a marine-driven market with a proven record in securing complex projects
* Established client network within the required market segments
* Solid financial and commercial understanding
* Fluent in English (additional languages are a plus)
* Great knowledge of the Office Automation package (Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Word).Familiar with CRM systems and confident in presenting to technical audiences
Development Manager • Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy
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