Business Development & Commercial Manager

This is an excellent opportunity to join a global ship owner and leader in maritime services. Based in Liverpool, this is a brand new role due to continued expansion.

The role is responsible for driving business growth and optimising commercial performance by identifying and developing new opportunities, managing customer relationships across ports and terminals, preparing competitive tenders, negotiating contracts, and overseeing robust commercial governance.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new opportunities across UK ports, terminals, and emerging maritime sectors, maintaining a strong pipeline of leads and potential contracts.
• Conduct market, customer, competitor, and industry-trend analysis—including vessel movements, port developments, and sector growth drivers—to inform commercial strategy and growth planning.
• Build and maintain relationships with shipping lines, agents, port authorities, offshore operators, and other key stakeholders to promote services and maximise client satisfaction.
• Support long-term regional growth planning aligned with fleet capability, operational strategy, and market demand.
• Lead and support tender submissions, ensuring alignment with port requirements, operational capability, local regulations, and commercial policy.
• Coordinate cross-functionally (Operations, Technical, Crewing, HR, Finance, Legal) to develop accurate, compliant, and competitive bids.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage contracts, framework agreements and service level commitments in accordance with commercial and legal procedures and guidelines.
• Produce high-quality tender documentation, including pricing proposals, method statements, KPIs, service standards, and mobilisation plans.
• Develop, review, and maintain commercial pricing strategies, ensuring alignment with profitability targets and operational feasibility.

Requirements

• 2+ years experience in business development, commercial management, tendering, or contract negotiation.
• Background in commercial/maritime environment.
• Experience preparing commercial proposals, cost models, and contract documentation.
• Experience in towage, port operations, maritime services, shipping, or a related commercial sector.
• Proven experience in business development, tender management, or maritime commercial roles.
• Experience negotiating maritime service contracts or port-related agreements.
• Degree or equivalent experience in Business, Maritime Studies, Commercial Management, or similar (desirable but not essential).
• Good command of the English language, both oral and written.
• Proficient with office applications and ERP & CRM systems.

You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered (no sponsorship available). The role is office based in Liverpool, so you need to live within reasonable commute of the office.