Job Description: India, Head of Business Development

Location: Chennai or Mumbai

Reporting to: Head of Strategy & Asset Manager

Company: Union Maritime

Role Summary

The Head of Business Development will act as Union Maritime’s primary point of contact in India, supporting the company’s commercial, financing, and newbuilding activities. The role focuses on strengthening strategic relationships with Indian partners, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring smooth execution of projects with shipyards and leasing houses.

Key Responsibilities

1. Partnership Development

• Identify and develop strategic partnerships in India across trading houses, industrial groups, financiers, and maritime operators.
• Represent Union Maritime in meetings, negotiations, and industry events to build strong long-term relationships.
• Provide ongoing market intelligence on Indian counterparties, opportunities, and competitive landscape.

2. Leasing & Finance Support

• Work closely with Indian leasing companies to structure and execute leasing transactions for Union Maritime vessels.
• Assist the company’s finance team with deal preparation, commercial understanding, and relationship management.
• Support negotiations on leasing terms, documentation, and transaction timelines.

3. Shipyard & Newbuilding Coordination

• Serve as the day-to-day liaison with Indian shipyards involved in Union Maritime’s newbuilding programme.
• Ensure smooth coordination on specifications, milestones, technical discussions, timelines, and issue resolution.
• Support alignment between shipyards, Union Maritime’s technical team, and leasing houses where applicable.
• Monitor progress on-site where needed and provide timely updates to headquarters.

4. General Representation & Support

• Promote Union Maritime’s brand, values, and commercial interests in India.
• Facilitate visits, meetings, and negotiations for senior management, technical teams, and finance personnel.
• Provide insights on regulatory developments, government incentives, and maritime sector trends in India.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong network within the Indian maritime, shipyard, or leasing sectors.
• Experience in a commercial shipping role, such as chartering, shipbroking, or operations.
• 10+ years of experience in the maritime industry.
• Experience representing a company in negotiations with senior external stakeholders.
• Fluent in English.
• Eligible to work in India.

Benefits