Business Development Manager – New Construction

Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

Direct Reports: None

Department: New Construction

Position Summary

Derecktor Shipyards, a leading U.S. builder of advanced aluminum vessels, hybrid-electric ferries, and custom yachts, is seeking a results-oriented Business Development Manager to lead customer engagement, opportunity development, and commercial execution for new vessel construction projects.

This role is a key driver of revenue growth, responsible for building strong external relationships, identifying and qualifying opportunities, and leading pursuits from concept through delivery. The Business Development Manager is also deeply involved in estimating, proposal development, and contract negotiation to ensure projects are accurately scoped, competitively priced, and structured for successful delivery.

This is a high-visibility position with direct impact on the company’s strategic growth, working across commercial ferries, research vessels, major refits, motor yachts, and sailing yachts.

Key Responsibilities

1. Market Growth & Business Development

• Build relationships with key customers, naval architects, design partners, and vendors to position Derecktor for competitive advantage.
• Identify and pursue new markets, vessel segments, and customers aligned with the company’s strategic priorities.
• Maintain market intelligence on competitor activity, public-sector procurement pipelines, and funding opportunities.
• Represent Derecktor at customer meetings, industry conferences, and working groups; act as the company’s ambassador in the marketplace.
• Manage the overall opportunity pipeline, ensuring priorities are clear and that projects advance on schedule.

2. Proposal Development, Estimating & Costing

• Lead development of detailed technical and commercial proposals, including:
• Specifications and compliance matrices
• Weight, performance, and production summaries
• Pricing models, risk assessments, and margin strategies
• Oversee the full estimating process for new construction projects: labor, materials, subcontractors, vendor quotes, and long-lead items.
• Coordinate internal reviews with production, engineering, procurement, and finance to validate assumptions and refine pricing.
• Develop compelling proposal materials and presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint and Canva, leveraging internal or external design support when appropriate.

3. Contracting & Pre-Construction

• Draft, negotiate, and execute fixed-price construction contracts and pre-construction agreements.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to ensure contracts are commercially sound, enforceable, and properly balance risk.
• Define scope, milestones, payment terms, and regulatory considerations early in the pursuit.
• Facilitate a seamless transition from opportunity capture to project execution, providing complete handoffs and assumptions to project management teams.

4. Internal Coordination & Strategic Input

• Act as a bridge between company leadership and project execution teams to align priorities and resource allocation.
• Support ERP (Odoo) implementation by integrating estimating data, opportunity tracking, and cost codes for improved traceability.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning, pricing strategies, and investment decisions for the new construction business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Naval Architecture, or related field.
• 10–15 years of experience in commercial management, technical sales, or business development in the shipbuilding or marine industry.
• Demonstrated experience specifying, quoting, estimating, and contracting new construction projects (ferries, research vessels, yachts).
• Strong knowledge of vessel design, regulatory frameworks (USCG Subchapter T/K/H), and marine system integration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for estimating and costing; strong skills in Microsoft PowerPoint and Canva for proposal development.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex pursuits simultaneously, balancing customer engagement, internal coordination, and detailed cost analysis.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as Odoo is a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills, with a track record of building long-term customer relationships.

Travel & Remote Work Expectations

• While the role can accommodate a hybrid work arrangement, regular on-site presence at Derecktor’s shipyard facilities in New York, Florida, and other company locations is required (approx. 10-30% travel).
• Additional travel for customer meetings, industry events, and vendor visits as required.

Career Growth

As Derecktor expands its new construction business, this role offers a clear pathway to senior leadership in business development or commercial management. The Business Development Manager will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s new construction program growth and capturing high-value projects.

Why Derecktor

Derecktor Shipyards is a family-owned builder of some of the most advanced small vessels in North America. With a legacy of craftsmanship and a forward-looking approach to hybrid-electric propulsion and public-sector delivery, we offer a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of maritime mobility.

Benefits:

Benefits include paid holidays, paid vacation, health benefits, 401K with company match, and company-sponsored Short and Long-Term Disability insurance.

EEO Statement:

Derecktor is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be provided equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, genetic information, military status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or protected veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.