Trade Development Manager

Port Houston•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for developing new business opportunities and strengthening existing client relationships to drive revenue growth and expand Port Houston’s presence within an assigned geographic territory and focal market segment(s). The position serves as a strategic partner to customers, identifying their evolving supply chain needs and aligning Port Houston’s services to support their long-term success. By proactively engaging prospects, nurturing key accounts, and representing Port Houston at industry events, this role plays a critical part in increasing cargo volumes, enhancing customer satisfaction, and advancing the organization’s competitive position in the global marketplace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Maritime Administration, Marketing, or related field from an accredited public or private institution required
5+ years of related business development or B2B experience required
Previous logistics, maritime or supply chain experience required
Knowledge of concepts relating to global supply chain management, ocean transportation industry, cargo terminal operations, carrier nomination process, seaport gateway and site selection methodology
Knowledge of territory management
Knowledge of sales planning and tactics
Written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills
Project management skills
Leadership and coordination skills
Critical thinking skills
Customer service skills
Organization and time management skills
Ability to work effectively with both internal and external customers
Ability to analyze, measure and monitor organization's performance
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
Proficient computer skills in Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a TWIC card

Nice To Haves

Develops multi-year trade growth strategies
Communication & Executive Presence
Maintain long-term customer relationships
Identifies new trade lanes and market competition
Analyzes cargo trends, TEUs, and market share
Effective and Formal Presentations
Sales Ability – Persuasiveness
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills
Analytical & Market Intelligence

Responsibilities

Maintains accurate, real-time updates in the CRM system for all customer interactions, leads and opportunities
Own and manage a structured sales pipeline: identify and qualify potential opportunities and ensure they are tracked and advanced through CRM pipeline stages.
Work closely with Operations, Economic Development, and Real Estate departments to align on customer solutions
Provide oversight and strategic direction to assigned overseas commercial representatives/agency in target trend lanes; conduct regular alignment calls and periodic in-market visits to strengthen relationships and ensure execution of goals and objectives
Develop and maintain customer and trade-lane specific business plan and strategy
Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure seamless service delivery, provide market intelligence, and contribute to the development of targeted business strategies that support Port Houston’s mission and growth objectives.
Proactively meet with former, current, and potential clients in sales territory to drive business goals and increase revenue, cargo volume, and vessels calls to Port Houston facilities
Develop and nourish internal and external customer relationships
Qualify BCO, VOCC, and value added NVOC business opportunities by monthly review of Journal of Commerce (J.O.C.) market data, statistical information, networking and other sources.
Develop customer and commodity reports, identify and cultivate trade lanes, industry clusters and target customers utilizing data and information provided internally and externally through subscription prospecting services, industry news articles, word of mouth and social media
Participate in sales meetings, sales calls, seminar facilitation, trade shows, and the development of other sales strategies and initiatives
Plan and attend conferences, seminars, forums, and speaking engagements worldwide to educate, inform, advise, and promote to ultimately serve the goal of growing Port Houston's revenue and prominence
Create, present, or respond to proposals for specific customer requirements, including request for proposal responses and industry-specific solutions
Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
Perform related duties as required