Business Development Manager

NORTON LILLY INTERNATIONAL INC•Houston, TX

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Business Development Manager plays a critical role in driving revenue growth across all segments of the U.S. Ship business unit. This position is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, cultivating client relationships, and executing strategies to expand the company’s service offerings. In addition to acquiring new clients, the role involves managing and growing existing accounts by ensuring satisfaction, enhancing retention, and maximizing profitability through innovation and tailored solutions. This includes identifying alternate revenue streams and promoting new services that improve operational efficiency and client value. Additionally, the role focuses on strategic growth through market exploration and the expansion of services such as Port Agency and Integrated Solutions (3PL), including terminal operations, warehousing, procurement, and inventory management. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and self-starter with exceptional problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of the maritime industry, and the ability to onboard new clients efficiently and effectively. A team-oriented mindset is essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments. Strong communication, time management, and negotiation abilities are critical to success in this role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or a related field.
2–5 years of experience in sales or business development with a proven track record of revenue growth.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to foster a results-driven, team-oriented environment.
Willingness and ability to travel regionally and internationally up to 25% of the time.
Strong understanding of port agency services and vessel operations is highly preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Word is required.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task across procedural and project management tasks under tight deadlines.
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and staff to create a results-driven, team-oriented environment.
Ability to multitask and work in a dynamic fast paced environment with tight deadlines.
Ability to pivot among priorities quickly and deliver short-term analytics and long-term projects.
Effective verbal and written communications skills.
Confident decision-making skills, particularly in defining project guidelines, purpose, follow-through, and successful completion.
Familiarity with financial reporting, including budgeting and project cost control.
Excellent communication and leadership skills are mandatory.
Comfortable communicating and interacting with remote teams at all levels to gather information.
Confident with decision making regarding determining project guidelines, purpose, following through and completion.
Ability to work collaboratively across departmental functions.
Self-directed, results oriented.
Must have a valid driver’s license and clean / safe motor vehicle record.
Must be able to obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC).

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of port agency services and vessel operations is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively pursue new business opportunities with a strong “hunter” mentality, using a variety of methods including cold calling, canvassing, social media outreach, networking, and participation in industry events to promote the company’s brand and full-service offering; aggressively pursue and establish leads and contacts throughout the industry.
Promote NLI’s brand and full portfolio of services through client engagement, sales meetings, presentations, and trade shows.
Build and maintain strong client relationships by understanding client needs, setting achievable goals, and delivering tailored solutions.
Leverage existing relationships with cargo owners, terminals and shipping companies to research and identify specific needs for logistics solutions for their business in the US territory.
Provides senior strategic leadership across business units, including commercial prospecting and closure, evaluation and approval of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and revenue-sharing arrangements, as well as articulating company mission, vision, and promotion of business interests.
Respond promptly to client inquiries and prepare comprehensive estimates for port, terminal, and operational costs.
Maintain consistent client engagement—visit each client at least once per quarter; introduce at least one new product or service annually per client and/or as directed through sales campaigns.
Lead data-driven sales efforts, leveraging analytics to create strategic advantages and enhance decision-making.
Build and manage a robust sales pipeline, maintaining a pipeline value of at least 4x the annual revenue target.
Achieve a minimum 25%-win ratio on pursued business opportunities.
Assist with P&L responsibility with an emphasis on leadership and long-term growth.
Negotiate client agreements and terms that support profitability and align with NLI’s strategic goals.
Oversee initiatives that strengthens the company’s position as a choice employer of preference for employees and prospective employees in the local and international market.
Assist with other duties and responsibilities as required by management.
Take on additional duties as required by management and contribute to a collaborative, flexible work environment.
Abide by company HSEQ policies and procedures.