Director Market Research & Analytics

Port Houston•Houston, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Market Analytics and Research Director is a senior leadership role responsible for transforming internal and external port statistics into actionable strategic intelligence. This position will lead a dedicated research function to provide high-visibility insights that guide executive decision-making, optimize operational efficiency, and enhance the port’s competitive position in the global marketplace. By bridging the gap between complex data science and business strategy this role will drive initiatives to develop critical data connections with evolving business needs. This role leads critical studies on international trade trends, economic impacts, port competitiveness, market demand, and regional economic development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Finance or related field required.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in data science, analytics, and quantitative modeling. (transportation, logistics, maritime, supply chain, or industrial sector preferred).
Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or project management experience.
Experience managing large data sets
Strong foundation in statistical analysis and forecasting.
Experience in creating data visualization, data graphics, and dashboards.
Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
Demonstrated track record of excellence in quantities and qualitative research
Demonstrated ability to manage complex data sets.
Strong understanding of macroeconomic trends, business trends, trade economics, supply chain logistics, and regional development.
Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, STATA, Python), GIS tools, and data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to present complex information to non-technical audiences.
Knowledge of forecasting techniques (time series, regression, simulation modeling)
Analytical thinking, applied statistics and market research skills
Organization and time management skills
Interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to gather information
Strategic thinking with strong operational awareness
Ability to synthesize large, complex datasets into clear insights
Strong communication skills, including the ability to engage executive-level stakeholders
Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
Intellectual curiosity and continuous learning mindset
Ability to manage confidential material
Ability to Conceptualize Analytical Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Collaboration
Global Perspective
Information Monitoring

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in data science work is preferred e.g. Modeling, machine learning, “big data”, AI.
Experience with logistics, maritime, supply chain, or port operations datasets preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Oversee the collection, maintenance, and integration of various market information databases.
Develop trusted reporting for various initiatives across the organization.
Provide leadership with data to support critical customer, advocacy, industry and community engagements.
Interpret macroeconomic and trade data to inform port leadership on trends affecting cargo, real estate, and infrastructure planning.
Support short and long-term supply and demand forecasts in collaboration with divisions across the organization.
Drive predictive analytics to enhance cargo growth expectations across the region.
Develop models and generate forecasts for Port Houston and the Houston Ship Channel container, general cargo volumes using formal statistical techniques combined with data gathered from market research, internal data and external data to support budgeting and forecasting process.
Drive collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to build trusted partnerships around premiere data that supports the region’s impact regionally, statewide, nationwide, and internationally.
Serve as a technical and analytical partner for port leadership, government entities, and global commercial stakeholders.
Define the roadmap for the port’s analytics capabilities to align with the Port Houston strategic priorities, long term aspirations, commodity trends, and evolving geo-political impacts to trade.
Lead economic impact studies, large project benefit cost analysis, and cargo trend and market assessment updates to leadership.
Develop and use additional decision support tools to assist in Port Houston’s enterprise planning efforts to advance its strategic vision and support data backed decisions.
Direct the activities and priorities of the research analytics department.
Delegate tasks, encourage professional development opportunities, drive a collaborative culture, and foster a team valuing high quality outcomes.
Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you).
Perform other duties as needed.