Image of career: Maritime Business Development Manager

Maritime Business Development Manager

Overview

Maritime business development managers identify growth opportunities, foster partnerships, and drive revenue.

Description

  • Identify new business opportunities and markets for expansion.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key clients, shipping partners, and industry stakeholders.
  • Create and implement strategies to increase market share and profitability.
  • Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to adjust business strategies accordingly.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align growth initiatives and negotiate contracts with potential clients.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need a Degree in Business, Maritime Studies, Logistics, or related fields to get started.
  • Prior experience in maritime, shipping, or logistics industries is highly valued, plus strong understanding of industry dynamics and shipping regulations.

Salary

$5,100 – 11,600

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Maritime business development managers hustle by meeting clients, attending industry events, and travelling to meet international counterparts.

What to expect

Help your company expand by staying informed on industry trends, building strong networks, and sharpening your negotiation skills.

Soft
skills

Communication

Able to clearly explain business strategies and build understanding between internal teams and external stakeholders.

Strategic Thinking

Ability to analyse market trends and competitors to craft long-term growth strategies.

Cross-cultural Awareness

Understanding of different regions, cultures, and local practices to properly navigate business negotiations and achieve international objectives.

Knowledge of Shipping Operations and Regulations

Familiarity with shipping operations and regulations to ensure business growth strategies follow maritime regulations.

Financial Forecasting

Able to develop revenue predictions and cost analyses to inform decision-making and resource allocation.

Contract Negotiation

Able to secure favourable terms in shipping contracts with clients and partners whilst mitigating risks and ensuring legal compliance.

Hard
skills

Peggy Zhao, Maritime Asset Management Executive
"What I love most is seeing the tangible impact of my investment every time a ship sails away to keep the world running."

Peggy Zhao, Maritime Asset Management Executive

Singapore Maritime Foundation

Frequently asked questions

While not mandatory, having solid understanding of maritime operations or logistics will be highly beneficial in this role.

Managing global client relationships whilst keeping up with the dynamic and regulatory-heavy nature of the maritime industry.

You don't need to be a sea-faring expert to start. Many successful business development managers pivot from technology, finance, or general logistics. Companies provide specialised training and mentorship to bridge technical knowledge gaps.

They work at the centre of the world's most connected maritime ecosystem, accessing massive international networks and cutting-edge technology with unique learning opportunities.

They'll likely travel to international shipping hubs for client meetings and trade shows whilst representing Singapore's maritime interests abroad.