Description

Job Summary

The Vice President of Sales is responsible for driving sales growth through direct customer engagement, business development, and contract negotiations, primarily working remotely and meeting clients at their locations. This role focuses on building strong client relationships, securing high-value contracts, and identifying new opportunities in commercial ship repair, with a secondary emphasis on developing a sales team. The VP of Sales will collaborate with executive leadership, production, and engineering teams during periodic visits to the Tongue Point facility to align sales efforts with operational capabilities and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve revenue targets, expand market share, and penetrate new segments in the commercial ship repair industry through direct customer engagement at client locations. 
• Actively pursue new business opportunities by responding to RFPs, preparing bids, and fostering partnerships with commercial maritime clients, ship owners, and operators, meeting them at their preferred locations. 
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key clients and stakeholders to secure repeat business and high-value contracts. 
  Prepare and negotiate proposals, quotes, and contracts, ensuring competitive pricing, accurate scoping, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. 
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to refine sales approaches and inform strategic planning. 
• Coordinate with production, engineering, and finance teams during monthly visits to the Tongue Point facility to align sales efforts with operational capabilities, project feasibility, and budgeting. 
• Monitor and report on sales performance metrics, including pipeline development, win rates, and revenue forecasts, to senior management. 
  Ensure compliance with maritime industry regulations, export controls, and ethical sales practices. 
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and client meetings at various locations to promote Hyak Tongue Point's services and enhance brand visibility. 
• Utilize CRM systems and sales tools to track leads, manage client interactions, and optimize sales processes from a remote setting. 
  Drive continuous improvement in sales methodologies, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction. 
• Act as a liaison with clients, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies to resolve issues and ensure successful project acquisitions. 
  Support the development of a sales team by providing guidance, training, and mentorship as a secondary responsibility to enhance team capabilities.
• Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a remote setting, with frequent travel to meet clients at their locations, such as shipyards, ports, or corporate offices, and monthly visits to the Hyak Tongue Point, LLC shipyard in Astoria, OR, for coordination with management and operational teams. 
Exposure to outdoor and industrial conditions may occur during client site visits or monthly shipyard visits, requiring adherence to safety regulations and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 

The role involves high-level strategic planning, client interactions, and may require working in dynamic environments with tight deadlines. 
Long hours and overtime may be required to meet sales goals and project timelines, particularly during travel or peak project periods.

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, engineering, or a related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in sales within the maritime, ship repair, or related industrial sectors, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. 
• Strong understanding of commercial ship repair processes, including dry-docking, hull maintenance, and mechanical overhauls. 
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets through direct client engagement, negotiating high-value contracts, and building strong customer relationships. 
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills to influence decision-makers and address client needs. 
• Familiarity with maritime industry standards, such as ABS, USCG regulations, and safety protocols. 
• Proficiency in sales management software, CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and ERP systems. 
• Ability to travel frequently to client locations, industry events, and the Tongue Point facility for periodic meetings. 
• Must pass a background check and drug screening for access to sensitive shipyard areas during site visits. 
• Must hold a valid passport.
• Ability to obtain DBIDS (Defense Biometric Identification System) or other necessary badges for shipyard access. 
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays, as business demands require.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in commercial ship repair sales, including work with workboats, commercial fishing fleet, cargo vessels, tankers, or offshore platforms. 
• Advanced certifications such as Certified Sales Professional (CSP) or Lean Six Sigma. 
• Prior experience securing large-scale maritime projects in commercial or government sectors. 
• Knowledge of naval architecture, marine engineering, or supply chain principles in the ship repair industry.