Head of Business DevelopmentCompany: Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair, LLC
Location: Remote with travel to DSR facilities (Erie, PA) and industry events
Reports to: General Manager
Job Type: Full-time
FLSA Status: Exempt
OverviewDSR is seeking its first Head of Business Development to lead its commercial outreach and customer development efforts. This role will be responsible for building and managing strategic relationships with vessel operators, marine contractors, industrial fabrication contractors, and government entities while helping expand DSR's presence in its addressable market.
The Head of Business Development will work closely with DSR and Donjon leadership and operations to identify opportunities, develop client relationships, and convert market demand into long-term project backlog.
Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Development & Client Relationships
- Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with vessel owners, marine operators, contractors, and government agencies.
- Generate new sales opportunities and maintain a consistent pipeline of shipyard repair and industrial fabrication work.
- Develop territory and client engagement strategies to expand DSR's market presence.
- Serve as the primary external representative for DSR with prospective customers and industry partners.
Market Intelligence & Strategy
- Monitor industry trends, vessel activity, shipyard and facility capacity, and regional demand to identify potential opportunities.
- Gather and analyze market data, customer feedback, and competitive intelligence to inform strategic business decisions.
- Provide leadership with insights into market conditions, emerging opportunities, and potential service gaps
Internal Coordination
- Collaborate with DSR operations, estimating, and leadership teams to develop competitive proposals and service solutions.
- Maintain awareness of current projects and DSR's capacity to support effective backlog planning.
- Support the development of pricing strategies and proposal responses where appropriate.
Pipeline & CRM Management
- Implement and maintain a structured CRM system to track leads, outreach, proposals, and project opportunities.
- Document business development activities and maintain visibility into the sales pipeline and projected backlog.
- Provide periodic reporting on outreach activities, opportunity tracking, and business development performance.
Industry Engagement
- Represent DSR at trade shows, industry conferences, and networking events.
- Build relationships with maritime industry associations, ship owners, industrial fabrication contractors, and key stakeholders across the marine and industrial sectors.
The Ideal Candidate Will:- Bring 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or client relationship management, preferably in maritime, shipyard, marine services, or heavy industrial sectors.
- Demonstrate strong relationship-building skills and the ability to develop trust with customers and industry stakeholders.
- Be highly self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a role that requires initiative and proactive outreach.
- Have the ability to translate customer needs into practical shipyard and fabrication service opportunities.
- Be organized and disciplined in managing a sales pipeline and tracking business development activity.
- Bring strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the company at industry events.
- Experience with CRM tools and market analysis is preferred.
- Background in shipyard and fabrication operations, marine repair, vessel operations, or heavy steel fabrication is strongly preferred.
Work Conditions- Remote-based role with regular travel.
- Travel expected up to approximately 50%, including visits to DSR facilities, client sites, and industry events.
Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base and success-based bonus structure commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Anticipated based salary range: $100k-120k.
DSR offers a comprehensive benefits package that ranks among the best in the industry, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match and profit sharing.
- Life and disability insurance.
- Wellness and employee assistance programs.
- Paid time off and holidays.
