Water Linked is a Norwegian deep-tech company setting a new standard for underwater navigation and imaging. From our headquarters in Trondheim, we develop and manufacture world-leading sensors, including the world’s smallest DVL and our proprietary 3D sonar. These technologies power the next generation of underwater drones (AUVs and ROVs) across offshore energy, defence and advanced robotics. Our solutions enable precise positioning, robust communication and real-time situational awareness, capabilities that are essential to unlocking the autonomous revolution beneath the ocean surface.
Let us describe the challenge
The Business Development Manager role is introduced to strengthen Water Linked’s ability to identify and convert strategic growth opportunities, particularly in the defence sector, while continuing to grow commercial revenue. Increasing global investment in maritime autonomy, subsea surveillance, and uncrewed systems creates strong opportunities aligned with our technology.
Defence sales require long-term, relationship-driven engagement, while current geopolitical dynamics are accelerating the adoption of new technologies. This role ensures these opportunities are pursued systematically.
At the same time, the commercial market remains key, with opportunities across marine robotics, offshore energy, and research. The role will focus on new customer acquisition, market expansion, and strategic partnerships, supporting sustainable growth across both defence and commercial segments.
What you'll do
As a Business Development Manager, you will play a key role in identifying and converting high-value opportunities across defence and commercial sectors. You will build strong relationships, develop tailored propositions, and drive strategic market engagement in close collaboration with internal teams.
The responsibilities:
- Strategic business growth
Identify and prioritise new opportunities across defence and commercial markets, and develop targeted go-to-market strategies. - Customer engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including defence, government, and commercial customers, and represent Water Linked at industry events. - Opportunity management
Generate, qualify, and manage a pipeline of opportunities, leading discussions and driving conversion. - Proposals and sales support
Prepare proposals, RFP responses, and commercial presentations aligned with customer needs. - Collaboration
Work closely with Sales, Engineering, and Marketing to align customer needs with technical solutions and strengthen market positioning.
Who you are
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marine Technology, or a related field.
- 5+ years in business development, sales, or account management, preferably in underwater technology or related sectors.
- Proven success in B2B sales and relationship management.
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
- Familiarity with underwater technology markets in North America.
- Proficiency with CRM tools and fluency in English.
- Self-starter mentality with the ability to work independently.
If you do not tick all the above boxes, do not worry! In our culture of innovation and collaboration, being motivated, goal-oriented and/or having a strong soft-skillset are all factors that weigh in your favour. So don't let this be a box-ticking exercise. If the job description sounds like something you would like to work with, plunge in and apply!
We’re focused on finding the right person for the role. Apply when you’re ready, we review applications continuously.
Why join us?
We offer a competitive compensation package, along with the opportunity to grow as a specialist, take ownership, and contribute to technology used in some of the world’s most demanding environments.
At Water Linked, you will deepen your expertise while collaborating with passionate specialists and continuously learning within your field. Through our Water Linked Academy, you will also broaden your perspective and strengthen interdisciplinary skills.
You won’t just be part of our journey, you will influence it. With stock options, you share in the value we create together.
If you have any questions, big or small, about the role, please get in touch with the hiring manager directly and they would be delighted to help.
Who are we?
Now that you know more about how it is to work at Water Linked, why don't you check out the story about us? If products are more your thing, feel free to discover those too.