Director of Business Development - APAC
Director of Business Development - APAC
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Salary Not Disclosed
1 Vacancy
Job Description
At Vessev were defining a new category of marine transport: hydrofoiling electric vessels that are genuinely creating a more liveable world. Last year we launched our first vessel the VS9 and made headlines in Forbes Electrek New Atlas and more. It was a big step forward and just the beginning.
With strong momentum growing global demand and major scaling ahead were hiring a Director of Business Development - APAC to drive revenue and lead Vessevs commercial growth in this rapidly expanding market. Reporting to the CEO this is a senior 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 is on APAC were 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 youre insanely proud of.
What youll be doing:
This is a hands-on senior role where youll lead market growth and commercial strategy from the front. Youll 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.
Youll find opportunities directly structure deals close partnerships and represent Vessev at the highest levels. No two days will look the same. One day youll be meeting with a government board the next negotiating a multi-vessel hospitality deal or the next building relationships with new partners.
Your focus is to grow Vessevs commercial footprint turn opportunities into outcomes and help us scale with purpose and momentum.
Key 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 Vessevs 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.
No job too small or large - At Vessev we thrive on rolling our sleeves up to take care of the smallest details in pursuit of climbing the tallest peaks.
Travel - This role is based in New Zealand but will involve both domestic and international travel for industry events and meetings with partners and clients.
About you:
Youre commercially sharp entrepreneurial and deeply motivated by building something new. You know how to close deals and how to open doors. You bring energy and execution to everything you do. You build and maintain lasting relationships which become your foundation.
This is a senior role for someone who thrives in fluid environments operates with autonomy and loves the challenge of scaling something from the ground up.
Were looking for someone with:
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.
Understanding of electric vehicles is desirable but not required.
About the space:
Today there are over 33 million vessels worldwide and nearly all of them run on fossil fuels. Battery-electric boats exist but theyre held back by performance. Thats where Vessev comes in.
Were developing technology that makes marine vessels radically more efficient unlocking the full potential of battery electric performance across a wide range of applications. Currently there are only 116 electric hydrofoiling vessels in the a decade they will be operating on every major body of water.
About us:
Were here to propel a more liveable world cleaner air better commutes and deeper connections with nature and each other. Our hydrofoiling electric vessels use up to 90% less energy than traditional boats unlocking entirely new opportunities.
Were backed by top-tier investors including Blackbird Ventures K1W1 Icehouse Ventures GD1 and our team includes talent from the Americas Cup Rocketlab Halter Apple and leading climate startups. But titles dont matter here what matters is how we show up: with purpose humility and a restless optimism for whats possible.
Were office-first but not office-only. We believe in building together in person where the real magic happens. That said we trust our team to do whats right and we know life isnt one-size-fits-all.
Why our people love Vessev
Were building something different from how we move on the water to the kind of team and workplace were creating.
The chance to work on technology that can drive real lasting impact in the world
A team of hugely talented and collaborative people
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
Being on the water is part of our job from trips on our vessels to our offices that border the Tamaki River
And if the waters where you want to be youll be in good company. Youll find no shortage of boaters beach goers sailors foilers surfers and kiteboarders here.
Apply now
Research shows that women and other under-represented groups often only apply when they meet every requirement even though they could be an excellent fit. If you see yourself doing great work here but dont tick every box wed still love to hear from you. Were building a team where everyone has the chance to do their best work.
If you have questions please send them to
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
