Trade Development Manager

Position Summary 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. Key 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 vessel 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 Education & Experience 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, Skills, Abilities, & Behaviors 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 Key Competencies Required 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 This work site location of this job is: Port Houston Administration Building Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high. Disclaimer The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. We appreciate your interest in Port Houston. Port Houston is an equal employment opportunity employer and participates in the E‑Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government. Port Houston’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Port Houston also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. #J-18808-Ljbffr Port Houston