Business Development Manager

Atss has a client in Mobile, Alabama, looking for a Business Development Manager

Position Title: Director of Marine Business Development & Strategy

Position Overview
We are seeking a senior-level leader to design, implement, and drive the company’s business development and marketing strategy across the shipbuilding and ship repair sectors. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution—developing processes and systems while personally engaging in pursuit, negotiation, and relationship-building with key clients and partners. The ideal candidate will bring deep industry experience, a strong professional network across military and commercial marine markets, and a proven ability to translate strategy into measurable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth Development

• Develop and implement a streamlined business development framework, integrating market intelligence, opportunity identification, and bid strategy.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to refine business models, growth goals, and geographic/market expansion strategies.
• Lead cross-functional alignment between commercial, operations, and engineering teams to ensure realistic, profitable pursuits and resource planning.
• Build and mentor a small, high-performing BD team as the organization scales.

Client Engagement & Opportunity Management

• Cultivate and sustain senior-level relationships with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Military Sealift Command (MSC), shipyards, commercial vessel owners, and key contractors.
• Direct the full opportunity lifecycle—from initial contact and qualification through proposal submission, negotiation, and contract award.
• Actively participate in major pursuits, engaging directly in client meetings and proposal presentations.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to raise visibility and identify partnership opportunities.

Proposal & Tender Strategy

• Oversee and refine the company’s pursuit and bid process, ensuring consistency, compliance, and competitiveness.
• Lead commercial negotiations including scope, pricing, and contractual terms, ensuring deals align with company objectives.
• Partner with technical and production teams to develop compelling, viable, and compliant proposals.

Marketing & Market Intelligence

• Direct marketing strategy to strengthen market position and brand recognition across target sectors.
• Monitor competitor activities and emerging market opportunities to inform strategic positioning.
• Provide actionable insights and periodic market reports to the executive team.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Maintain working knowledge of ABS, NAVSEA, and NAVAIR regulatory frameworks, along with U.S. government contracting processes.
• Ensure all tender and marketing efforts align with QHSE and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in business development, strategy, or marketing within shipbuilding, ship repair, or maritime services.
• Proven track record securing work with U.S. Navy, USCG, MSC, and other government and commercial clients.
• Deep understanding of marine contracting, regulatory, and acquisition processes.
• Strong commercial negotiation and client-relations skills at the executive level.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or MBA preferred.
• Experienced with CRM, opportunity tracking, and proposal management tools.