Global Passenger Vessel Business Development Lead

We set out more than 160 years ago to promote the security of life and property at sea and preserve the natural environment. Today, we remain true to our mission and continue to support organizations facing a rapidly evolving seascape of challenging regulations and new technologies. Through it all, we are anchored by a vision and mission that help our clients find clarity in uncertain times.

ABS is a global leader in marine and offshore classification and other innovative safety, quality, and environmental services. We’re at the forefront of supporting the global energy transition at sea, the application of remote and autonomous marine systems, cutting-edge technical solutions, and many more exciting advancements. Our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency is ever-present, guiding our clients to safer and more efficient operations.

Equal Opportunity

ABS Bureau is committed to the equal employment opportunity of its employees and prohibits discrimination against any employee or qualified applicant based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status or veteran status, or other non-work-related characteristics that may be protected under the law of the Federal Government or specific state employment laws.

Notice

ABS and Affiliated Companies (ABS) will not pay a fee to any third-party agency without a valid ABS Master Service Agreement (MSA) authorized and signed by Human Resources. Any resume, CV, application, or other forms of candidate submission provided to any employee of ABS without a valid MSA on file will be considered property of ABS, and no fee will be paid.

Other

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job of the incumbent. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making a fair decision regarding the pay structure of the job. #ogjs

The Global Passenger Vessel Business Development Lead is responsible for developing and advancing ABS’ Business Development (BD) strategy for the global passenger vessel market, aligning client needs, market opportunities, and industry trends with ABS capabilities to support growth. Based in Miami, this role will help strengthen ABS’ visibility, client engagement, and commercial success across the global passenger vessel sector.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and execute business development plans for the global passenger vessel market to support growth and expand ABS market presence.
• Identify and pursue opportunities across new construction, retrofit, modernization, decarbonization, digitalization, and lifecycle support services.
• Build and maintain relationships with owners, operators, shipyards, designers, suppliers, and other key stakeholders across the passenger vessel market.
• Partner with business development and cross-functional teams to support proposals, client engagement, and the pursuit of new business opportunities.
• Represent ABS in client meetings, industry events, conferences, and forums to strengthen market visibility and sector credibility.
• Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, regulatory developments, and emerging client needs to support business decisions and market strategy.
• Provide market insight to help align ABS services and capabilities with customer demand and evolving industry trends.
• Support key account activities and help promote ABS services and solutions throughout the business community.

What You Will Need:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent required.
• MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Ten (10) or more years of related experience.
• Experience in one or more relevant sectors, including passenger vessels, cruise, ferries, RoPax, commercial marine, shipbuilding and repair, or related maritime services.
• Experience in business development, market strategy, client engagement, or sector leadership within the maritime industry is strongly preferred.
• Global market experience within the passenger vessel segment is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of passenger vessel market dynamics, including fleet renewal, sustainability, emissions reduction, safety, and regulatory developments.
• Demonstrated technical and/or commercial expertise related to vessel operations, shipbuilding, retrofit activity, classification, certification, or marine services.
• Strong business judgment and the ability to identify, assess, and advance commercial opportunities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both commercial and technical stakeholders.
• English language fluency required to conduct detailed business and technical communication at a professional level.
• Ability to develop a working knowledge of ABS Rules, Guides, statutory regulations, and related instructions, as well as the ABS Employee Safety Policy.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to a senior leader within the business development organization.