Ferry & Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger (RoPax) Business Development Lead

Ferry & Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger (RoPax) Business Development Lead is responsible for supporting the development and execution of ABS' Business Development (BD) strategy for the ferry and RoPax 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 ferry and RoPax sector.

Location: London, Athens, Greece; Genoa, Italy; Istanbul, Turkey; Rotterdam, Netherlands

Responsibilities:

• Support the development and execution of business development plans for the ferry and RoPax market to grow ABS' presence and commercial opportunities.
• Identify and pursue opportunities across new construction, vessel conversion, retrofit programs, decarbonization initiatives, digitalization, and lifecycle support services.
• Build and maintain relationships with owners, operators, shipyards, suppliers, industry associations, and key stakeholders across the ferry and RoPax market.
• 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 inform strategy and commercial priorities.
• Provide market insight to support the development and promotion of ABS services relevant to ferry and RoPax operations.
• Support key account activities and help promote ABS services and capabilities throughout the business community.

Qualifications:

• 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 ferries, roll on/roll off passenger vessels, RoPax, passenger vessels, commercial marine, shipbuilding and repair, 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 ferry and RoPax market is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of ferry and RoPax market dynamics, including fleet renewal, sustainability, emissions reduction, operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory developments.
• Demonstrated technical and/or commercial expertise related to vessel operations, shipbuilding, retrofit 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:

This role is considered manager level reporting to the Global Passenger Lead. This role has a competitive base salary and additional bonus and benefits.

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.