Director - Business Development (EMEA/AMER)

Vessev • San Francisco, CA

3d • Remote

About The Position

At Vessev, we’re defining a new category of marine transport: hydrofoiling electric vessels that are genuinely better for people and the planet. In 2024, we launched our first vessel, the VS–9, and made headlines in Forbes, Electrek, New Atlas, and more. Since then we’ve received orders from every major region of the world and have an order book that extends well over the horizon. With strong momentum, global demand, and major scaling ahead, we’re hiring an in-region Director - Business Development to drive revenue and lead Vessev’s commercial growth in these rapidly expanding markets. This is a high-trust role for a proven closer, someone who can convert opportunities into deals, expand into new markets, and build a high-value pipeline. While the focus will be on AMER or EMEA, we’re a collaborative team, and the role will have a global impact. This is a rare opportunity to join a high-growth startup operating in a rapidly expanding space. There is so much scope to make this role your own, and we want you to create something you’re insanely proud of. This is a hands-on role where you’ll lead market growth and commercial strategy from the front. You’ll shape how Vessev grows, sector by sector, region by region, and partner by partner. You will play a foundational role in propelling a more liveable world with us. You’ll find opportunities directly, structure deals, close partnerships, and represent Vessev at the highest levels. No two days will look the same. One day you’ll be meeting with a government board, the next negotiating a multi-vessel hospitality deal, or building relationships with new partners. Your focus is to grow Vessev’s commercial footprint, turn opportunities into outcomes, and help us scale with purpose and momentum.

Requirements

• 5+ years in business development, sales, commercial strategy, or partnerships.
• A proven track record of sourcing and closing strategic deals.
• Confidence in navigating commercial negotiations and contract structures.
• A strong strategic mindset and bias for action.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Experience working closely with C-level teams or as a founder/operator.
• A collaborative, can-do approach and hunger to learn.
• A deep belief in the mission, and excitement about what Vessev can become.
• Experience and understanding of boating is important to success in this role.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of electric vehicles is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Source and secure new commercial opportunities across government, ferry, tourism, hospitality, real estate development, superyacht, and leisure markets.
• Own the end-to-end deal process from identifying leads to negotiating and closing commercial agreements.
• Develop and lead strategic partnerships that enable vessel deployments and long-term value creation.
• Structure and negotiate contracts, working closely with legal and executive leadership.
• Drive market expansion strategies, identifying new regions and sectors for Vessev’s growth.
• Build a solid pipeline of opportunities across leasing, direct sales, and distribution within APAC while also supporting global development.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, product, engineering, and operations to deliver on key commercial milestones.
• Track and report commercial performance, providing insight to guide executive decisions.
• Represent Vessev externally with partners, governments, operators, and at industry events.
• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to the leadership team.
• Roll up your sleeves and take care of everything from the finest details to the biggest opportunities.
• Travel domestically and internationally for industry events and meetings with partners and clients, including regular trips to New Zealand to spend time at company HQ during critical periods.

Benefits

• 20 weeks fully paid parental leave for primary caregivers, and 4 weeks for secondary (conditions apply).
• Competitive salaries that reflect the value of the work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed