Career Center

SUMMARY: The Director of Business Development is accountable for the development and implementation of the port’s business development, sales, and marketing initiatives.  Primary responsibilities will include expansion of the port’s container trade business as well as opportunities in other maritime business sectors which add value to Port Manatee.  Also responsible for the overall implementation of public affairs, public relations and advertising programs as they relate to trade development, tenant, community, employee and international relations.  The Director of Business Development will provide strategic support Executive Director. Spanish bilingual essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Continually research current data sources in order to stay on the “cutting edge” of the container (and other cargoes) marketplace.
• Create strategic opportunities within the maritime industry to promote business activities at SeaPort Manatee.
• Aggressively promote and sell SeaPort Manatee opportunities through direct contacts and solicitations as well as trade shows and conferences.
• Call on and encourage industry decision makers to visit SeaPort Manatee in an effort to educate them on the port’s attributes, plans, and opportunities.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and the appropriate executive staff on trade development visits and other sales opportunities utilizing a team approach.
• Assist in the development of competitive rates and agreements.
• Develops long and short-term goals and objectives as they relate to trade development and sales which support SeaPort Manatee’s plan and budget.
• Establish and maintain relationships with ocean carriers, agents, brokers, forwarders, trucking and rail providers for overall purpose of expanding trade opportunities.
• Develops and implements the port’s trade development.
• Induces cargo movement through comparison cost analysis of port tariff rates, stevedore/terminal handling and inland transportation costs by rail and trucking to identify and evaluate competitive cargo opportunities.
• Recommends to senior port staff tariff changes, operation concepts, facility requirements and pricing strategies to recruit and maintain business opportunities.
• Overseas media relation strategies and programs as they relate to local, regional, and national port-related interests.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•  BA in business, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of ten years’ experience in the container trade industry with progressive levels of responsibility.
• Management expertise in ports, maritime industry and logistics including new business solicitations.
• Proven sales management record and the ability to develop important industry relationships that will positively affect Port Manatee business opportunities and revenues.
• An understanding of both landside and waterside logistics chains and their development.
• Knowledge of other maritime business sectors to include RoRo, breakbulk, dry, and liquid bulk, refrigerated cargos and inland logistics.
• Proven ability to manage effectively within budgetary parameters.
• Knowledge of marketing, public relations, advertising, and public affairs.
• Spanish bilingual essential.
• Proven written and oral presentation skills.

About SeaPort Manatee

SeaPort Manatee is the closest U.S. deepwater seaport to the Panama Canal, serving bulk, breakbulk, container, heavy lift, project and general cargo customers. The port generates more than $5.1 billion in annual economic impact for the local community, while supporting more than 37,000 direct and indirect jobs, without the benefit of ad-valorem taxes.

Connections working at SeaPort Manatee