Inland Waterways – Director/Manager – Rotterdam

 Director / Manager – Inland Waterways

Location: Netherlands/Belgium – flexible for the right candidate

We are partnering with a leading global maritime organisation that is investing heavily in the inland waterways sector and is seeking an experienced industry specialist to lead the development of this market across Europe.

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up. The inland waterways sector is a new strategic focus area for the business, and they are looking for an individual who can shape the direction, establish processes and market strategy, build industry relationships, and become the recognised internal and external authority within the sector.

The Opportunity

As the organisation’s Inland Waterways lead, you will take ownership of developing and executing the market strategy across Europe.

You will act as the internal subject matter expert, advising senior leadership on market developments, opportunities, regulations, and commercial strategy, whilst simultaneously building the company’s external profile and network within the sector.

This is a highly autonomous role where you’ll have significant influence over future direction, with the long-term objective of building and leading a dedicated team as the business grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company’s inland waterways market strategy.
• Establish processes, procedures, and best practices to support long-term sector growth.
• Build and maintain relationships with vessel owners, operators, shipyards, ports, logistics providers, regulators, and industry associations.
• Identify new business opportunities and support commercial growth initiatives.
• Provide market intelligence, competitor analysis, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Act as the internal authority on inland waterways regulations, industry developments, and emerging trends.
• Support business development activities, client engagement, and proposal development.
• Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, exhibitions, and client meetings across Europe.
• Help shape future products, services, and solutions for the inland waterways market.

About You

We are interested in speaking with individuals who possess deep expertise within the inland waterways sector and are recognised as credible market specialists.

Your background may come from:

• Classification societies
• Shipowners or operators
• Maritime consultancies
• Industry associations
• Regulatory or legal environments
• Commercial or business development functions

Candidates from organisations with a strong inland waterways presence will be particularly relevant.

You will bring:

• Significant experience within the inland waterways industry.
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• The ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and the confidence to build a new business area.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building capabilities.
• The credibility to engage with both technical and commercial audiences.
• The ability to work independently and drive initiatives with minimal supervision.