Position Summary

The Business Development Manager is responsible for leading and scaling Kehoe’s Manufacturing, Residential and Commercial divisions to drive ongoing growth and business diversification. This strategic, hands-on role plays a key part in our expansion and brand-building efforts—fueling revenue growth, launching new product lines, entering new markets, and strengthening overall business performance through thoughtful, value-added partnerships.

This role is best suited for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, flexible environment and brings a strategic, relationship-focused mindset. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in construction or manufacturing, excellent communication and collaboration skills, and a proven ability to build lasting, trust-based partnerships.

As the Business Development Manager, you’ll play a key role in reinforcing Kehoe’s reputation as a reliable and capable partner across both public and private sectors. You’ll also advise on marketing strategy, strengthen brand presence, and provide research and insights that shape our strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Market Development

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities through networking, market research, and active participation in industry events, trade shows, and stakeholder meetings—targeting developers, marina owners, yacht clubs, and commercial waterfront owners while promoting Kehoe’s brand and staying ahead of market trends.
• Partner with internal and external marketing teams to create targeted campaigns for commercial, rental, and marina markets.
• Works toward developing Kehoe as a preferred contractor or vendor of record through private and public bidding opportunities
• Lead the preparation and negotiation of client agreements
• Maintain accurate records of all opportunities and client interactions in CRM systems to support pipeline tracking and follow-through.
• As required, in collaboration with the executive team; lead Kehoe’s involvement in mergers and acquisitions, acting as the main point of contact throughout the process.

Relationship Management & Sales Execution

• Build and maintain long-term, trust-based relationships with clients, suppliers, vendors, engineers & consultants in the marine industry.
• Attend site meetings to assess project requirements and align timelines, deliverables, and internal resources.
• Maximize new sales by identifying opportunities and delivering persuasive presentations that reflect a deep understanding of customer needs.
• Support customers through the full sales process—including upselling, objection handling, and finalizing agreements.
• Act as the primary liaison between clients and internal teams (procurement, operations, finance, and project management) to ensure expectations are met and projects run smoothly.

Market Research & Strategy

• Monitor marine construction trends, regulations and competitor activities. Anticipates, understands and advises on supply and demand impact on business – both upcoming and current business activities.
• Conduct research and perform a competitive analysis to inform market strategies for new product offerings
• Stays abreast of regulation that could affect business activities and advises leadership accordingly.
• Contribute to brand positioning efforts that reinforce Kehoe’s reputation and values
• Ensure messaging and storytelling for both print and digital channels is in alignment with building trust and industry credibility.
• Track and report on KPIs including lead generation, campaign performance, and digital engagement.
• Produces a quarterly newsletter for internal communication purposes
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to leadership based on market intelligence and emerging trends.

Proposal & Presentation Development

• Develop compelling, customized proposals and presentations that showcase Kehoe’s capabilities, project experience, and value proposition.
• Ensure all client-facing materials are clear, visually strong, and tailored to the specific needs of each opportunity.

Internal Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with internal departments to ensure alignment on project capacity, timelines, and execution plans.
• Collaborate with the management team to support annual business development planning and growth initiatives.
• Upholds the Kehoe Standard / Corporate values

Education and Experience

• 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or a related strategic role—ideally within construction, manufacturing, or industrial services required
• University degree in Business, or equivalent is preferred.
• Significant boating experience an asset

Core Competencies

• A natural connector who thrives in one-on-one conversations, builds rapport with ease, and brings a strong service mindset to every interaction.

• Self-motivated, curious, well-organized, and adaptable to changing priorities.

• Skilled negotiator with a solid track record in contract development and deal-making.

• A strategic thinker with a dynamic presence—able to balance big-picture vision with practical execution.

• Strong grasp of project-based business models, including proposal development and navigating both public and private sector tender processes.

• Exceptional communicator—both written and verbal—with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences and present confidently to individuals or large groups.

• Emotionally intelligent, with a proven ability to earn trust quickly and foster meaningful relationships across stakeholders.

• Excellent business acumen, comfortable working cross-functionally

• Familiarity with digital marketing tools, CRM systems, Microsoft Office and campaign analytics is an asset.

• Demonstrated ability to spot opportunities, build scalable systems, and contribute to long-term strategic planning.

Additional Job Requirements

• Valid Passport for international travel required
• Valid driver’s license for company vehicle use and willingness to travel as required.
• Successful completion of a clear criminal record check is required.

Why Kehoe Marine Construction?

We are a family-owned, growing marine construction company known for our craftsmanship, innovation, and commitment to client care. As the Business Development Manager, you’ll help shape the next chapter of our growth—expanding our impact, strengthening our network, and supporting the kind of work that leaves a lasting legacy in communities across Ontario.

Compensation

Competitive Pay: We believe great work deserves great pay. At Kehoe Marine, we offer competitive wages that reflect your skills, effort, and the value you bring — with room to grow as you do.

Your Health and Wellbeing: We take care of our team like family. That means comprehensive health and dental plans, a flexible Health Spending Account, and support through our Employee and Family Assistance Plan — because when you feel your best, you do your best.

Retirement: We’re committed to supporting your long-term success. With up to a 3% employer match for Retirement Savings, Kehoe Marine helps you build a strong financial future while rewarding the effort you put in today.

Vacation: Everyone needs time to recharge. At Kehoe, you’ll start with two weeks of vacation. We also typically shut down over the Christmas holidays so you can enjoy some well-earned downtime with friends and family.

Join us and be part of a team that is consistently challenging the status quo. We offer real opportunities for growth, a supportive culture, and open, honest communication. Here, you’re encouraged to do the work you love — and thrive while doing it.

We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.