Senior Manager/Business Leader – Business Development & Commercial
DeepOcean is a technology-driven, independent solution provider in the ocean space, working at the forefront of remote and autonomous operations, digitally-enabled services, and sustainable offshore solutions.
We operate across oil and gas, offshore renewables, deep sea minerals, and other non-energy sectors, delivering a full range of services from surveys, engineering and project management to installation, maintenance and recycling. With offices across all continents, our work spans some of the most complex and exciting offshore operations in the world.
Our people are at the core of what we do. We bring together experts from a wide range of disciplines – engineering, technology, operations, and beyond – united by a shared drive to solve challenging problems and push the boundaries of what is possible in the ocean space.
We are committed to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement – not just as business priorities, but as values our teams live by. If you are looking to grow your career in a global, technically ambitious environment where your work has real impact, DeepOcean could be the place for you.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Market Growth
- Develop and execute the Malaysia & Brunei business growth strategy.
- Identify and pursue opportunities across, subsea, offshore T & I, marine, and energy transition sectors. An understanding of diving is a positive but not essential
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, operators, EPC contractors, and strategic partners.
- Lead opportunity identification, qualification, tendering, and contract negotiations in conjunction with the Regional Commercial Director
- Drive market intelligence activities to identify emerging opportunities and competitive threats.
- Represent the company at industry forums, conferences, networking events, and client meetings.
Commercial Leadership
- Lead commercial evaluations, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations.
- Review and manage contract terms, risk allocation, and commercial compliance.
- Support project teams in managing contractual obligations and change management processes.
- Maximise profitability through effective margin management and commercial decision-making.
- Develop commercial frameworks that support sustainable growth and risk mitigation.
Strategic Leadership
- Contribute to the development and execution of the company's Malaysia strategic plan.
- Provide leadership and mentoring to business development, commercial, and operational teams.
- Partner with regional and global stakeholders to align local growth initiatives with wider business objectives.
- Support acquisition, joint venture, and partnership opportunities where appropriate.
- Develop annual business plans, budgets, and revenue forecasts.
Client Relationship Management
- Establish trusted advisor relationships with key decision-makers.
- Maintain a strong understanding of client operational and commercial needs.
- Lead executive-level engagement and strategic account management activities.
- Drive customer satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
Key Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Degree qualification in Engineering, Business, Commerce, Law, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 10-15 years' experience within the oil & gas, energy, marine, or industrial services sector.
- Demonstrated success in business development, sales leadership, commercial management, or related executive roles whilst maintaining the highest ethical standards in accordance with the DeepOcean code of conduct.
- Strong knowledge of contract structures including EPC, EPCC, maintenance, offshore services, fabrication, and manpower/service agreements.
- Proven track record of securing significant contracts and achieving revenue growth targets.
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercially astute with strong financial understanding.
- Experience working with national oil companies, international operators, EPC contractors, and major energy clients.
Desirable
- Existing network within the Malaysian oil & gas sector.
- Experience managing P&L responsibilities.
- Exposure to regional APAC markets.
- Leadership experience across multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
- MBA or postgraduate business qualification.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Commercial Acumen
- Business Development & Sales Leadership
- Contract Negotiation
- Stakeholder Management
- Financial & Risk Management
- Leadership & Team Development
- Client Relationship Management
- Influencing & Negotiation Skills
- Entrepreneurial Mindset
What We Offer
- Executive-level leadership opportunity within a growing oil & gas contractor.
- Significant influence on the future direction of the Malaysia business.
- Competitive salary package with performance incentives.
- Opportunity to work with leading energy clients across Malaysia and the wider APAC region.
This role is ideally suited to a commercially focused business leader who combines strong oil & gas industry knowledge with a proven ability to secure new business, lead contract negotiations, and drive profitable growth.
*******For the right candidate, this position offers a clear pathway to a General Manager role, with responsibility for the overall leadership, operational performance, and growth of the Malaysia business.*******
The successful candidate will combine strong business development expertise with commercial acumen, a deep understanding of the oil & gas services market, and the ability to influence both clients and internal stakeholders.