Yachting Sector 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 Yachting Sector Business Development Lead is responsible for supporting the development and execution of ABS’ Business Development (BD) strategy for the yacht market, aligning client needs, market opportunities, and industry trends with ABS capabilities to support growth. Based in Europe, this role will help strengthen ABS’ market presence and client engagement across the global yacht sector.

Location:

This role can be located at ABS offices in Genoa, Italy; Rotterdam, Denmark; Hamburg, Germany, or London.

What You Will Do:

• Support the development and execution of business development plans for the yacht market to help grow ABS’ presence and commercial opportunities.
• Identify and pursue opportunities across yacht new construction, refit activity, sustainability initiatives, digitalization, and lifecycle support services.
• Build and maintain relationships with owners’ representatives, builders, refit yards, designers, management companies, suppliers, and other key industry stakeholders.
• Partner with business development and internal teams to support proposals, client engagement, and pursuit of new business opportunities.
• Represent ABS in client meetings, trade events, conferences, and other industry forums to strengthen market visibility and relationships.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, regulatory developments, and client needs to help inform strategy and commercial priorities.
• Provide market insight to support the development and promotion of ABS services relevant to the yacht sector.
• Support key account activities and help promote ABS services and capabilities throughout the business community.

What You Will Need:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent required.
• MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Seven (7) or more years of related experience.
• Experience in one or more relevant sectors, including yachts, passenger vessels, commercial marine, shipbuilding and repair, luxury marine assets, or related maritime services.
• Experience in business development, market strategy, client engagement, or commercial support within the maritime industry is strongly preferred.
• Experience in the European yacht market is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of yacht market dynamics, including new build programs, refit cycles, owner expectations, quality standards, sustainability trends, and regulatory developments.
• Demonstrated technical and/or commercial expertise related to vessel operations, shipbuilding, refit activity, classification, certification, or marine services.
• Sound business judgment and the ability to identify and support 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.
• Additional European language capability is a plus.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to a senior leader within the business development organization, depending on final organizational structure.