Account Manager (Business Development)
Description
About the role
This position is a dynamic, growth-focused role combining strategic Business Development (BD) in the marine sector with account management. The primary objective is to expand the company's footprint in the Singapore shipyard, marine, and offshore sectors by leveraging existing metal/steel distribution experience, while undergoing structured training to master the Oil & Gas industry segment. The position is primarily office-based with regular customer, shipyard, and site visits expected. This role reports directly to the Director of Sales, Asia Pacific.
Key responsibilities
Actively prospect, develop, and secure new business relationships within the Singapore marine, shipyard, and offshore fabrication sectors
Maintain and deepen relationships with existing accounts, maximizing sales profitability and market share for steel/metal products
Consistently achieve invoice and booking numbers, meeting or exceeding sales and gross margin targets established in coordination with the Director of Sales, Asia Pacific
Monitor competitors and keep up to date on current market trends, pricing strategies, lead times, and upcoming projects in the maritime sector
Participate in a structured internal training program to gain deep technical knowledge of specialized steel grades, strict quality standards, and customer requirements unique to the Oil & Gas industry
Shadow senior team members on Oil & Gas accounts to transition into a dual-sector Account Manager capable of handling both Marine and Energy portfolios
Respond to customer inquiries with accurate technical proposals, pricing, and delivery timelines in a timely manner
Receive, enter, review contracts, and manage customer orders through the internal ERP system (Stratix)
Provide management with clear oral and written reports regarding customer needs, competitive threats, market shifts, and new product/service opportunities
Investigate customer complaints promptly, developing mutually beneficial resolutions to maintain high satisfaction and trust
About you
2–3 years of commercial sales or business development experience in steel/metal distribution, specifically targeting the Marine, Shipyard, or Maritime construction sector
NITEC/Diploma in Business, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, or a discipline deemed sufficient by management
Excellent oral and written communication skills with a strong focus on proactive customer responsiveness and negotiation
Proven ability to handle multiple inquiries, project timelines, and shifting priorities in a fast-paced commercial environment
Ability to quickly absorb complex technical specifications related to steel metallurgy, testing requirements, and energy industry standards
Must be comfortable and effective working with coworkers and customers from diverse backgrounds, engineering teams, and corporate cultures
Oral and written bilingual abilities preferred (English and Mandarin) to effectively liaise with regional, Mandarin-speaking shipyard stakeholders and customers
Strong familiarity with steel grades, material specifications, and class certifications (e.g., DNV, ABS) is highly advantageous
5+ years of proven BD track record with established networks among shipyards, marine contractors, or vessel fabricators in Singapore (e.g., Tuas, Jurong) preferred
Degree in Business, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical/Materials Science Engineering preferred