Head of Market Strategy
Company:
XOCEAN Ireland
Location:
Dundalk Office
Reports To:
Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)
About XOCEAN
XOCEAN is an ocean data company – we collect data for clients ranging from mapping the seabed to monitoring the environment. However, we do this differently, instead of using conventional crewed survey ships, we have developed a marine robotic system known as an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). XOCEAN is an impact led carbon neutral company. Our mission is to unlock the power of the ocean with insight, for a better tomorrow.
Role Overview
The Head of Market Strategy leads all sector based commercial activity across XOCEAN. This role ensures each market segment—Telecoms, Oil & Gas, Power Interconnectors, Hydrography, O&M and others—has a clear strategy, well managed pipeline, and strong customer engagement.
You will provide leadership to Segment Leads, create coherence across sector strategies, and ensure commercial plans align with XOCEAN's delivery capability and growth ambitions.
Main Responsibilities
Segment Strategy & Leadership
* Develop sector strategies, including value propositions, pricing approaches and customer targeting.
* Lead and support Segment Leads to deliver revenue targets, strengthen client relationships and maintain consistent sales discipline.
* Ensure Segment Leads retain clear ownership and accountability for revenue, pipeline and margin targets within their respective markets.
* Ensure alignment and consistency across segments in commercial messaging, pricing logic and governance.
Pipeline, Forecasting & Sales Performance
* Build and maintain segment forecasts, covering both short term opportunity pipelines and longer term market trends.
* Monitor performance, identify risks or gaps early, and support Segment Leads in prioritising high value opportunities.
* Guide qualification of opportunities based on value, fit and probability of success.
Tender & Bid Strategy
* Shape tender strategies to ensure proposals are competitive, deliverable and commercially strong.
* Introduce and champion the use of modern tools and techniques—including AI driven analysis, automation and document generation—to improve tender preparation efficiency, consistency and quality.
* Engage directly on major accounts or high value bids where strategic input is required
Cross Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with Operations, Technology and Programme teams so that segment plans reflect operational capacity, fleet readiness and upcoming innovations.
* Provide structured commercial insight to inform service development, investment decisions and go to market priorities.
Market Development & Growth
* Identify new opportunities across services, customers and geographies within each segment.
* Stay close to customer needs, competitor actions and wider industry trends to guide development of XOCEAN's offering.
KPIs
* Segment revenue vs. target
* Pipeline value, conversion rate and overall health
* Win rate across key tenders
* Pricing quality and margin performance
* Forecast accuracy
* Customer engagement and account development
Essential Experience
* Senior experience in sales, business development or commercial leadership within enterprise sales environment.
* Strong track record developing market strategies and leading sector focused teams.
* Expertise in pricing, forecasting, tender evaluation and commercial risk assessment.
* Experience building and managing high value customer relationships.
* Proficiency with CRM systems, sales reporting and pipeline tools.
Key Skills & Attributes
* Strategic thinker with strong commercial judgement.
* Effective communicator able to influence across technical, operational and executive teams.
* Strong leadership and coaching skills to develop high performing Segment Leads.
* Excellent prioritisation and organisational ability.
* Proactive mindset with a focus on value creation and continuous improvement.
Desirable Experience
* Experience in long cycle enterprise sales or multi stakeholder environments.
* Knowledge of value based selling, strategic pricing and competitive positioning.
Apply
* Applicants must demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria. Desirable criteria may be used for further shortlisting.
* We thank all candidates for their interest, however due to very high volumes, only those who are selected for further consideration, will be contacted directly.
* To be eligible for this position you must have a valid working visa / permit to work in the UK or Ireland.
* Please apply online and follow the instructions or submit your CV to