Commercial Operations Manager

At Ports America Chesapeake, the Commercial Operations Manager provides leadership and direction to the Port, Shipping Lines, Beneficial Cargo Owners, government stakeholders, and terminal staff in the planning and execution of overall cargo business development initiatives.

The incumbent directs and supervises commercial operations while ensuring an efficient, safe, and productive operation. This role also serves as a key client‑facing representative for Ports America, leading strategic customer engagement, public affairs initiatives, and coordination with governmental agencies, port authorities, and community stakeholders to support business growth and operational excellence.

• Lead value‑added commercial efforts delivering exceptional service to current and prospective clients.
• Manage strategic relationships with the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs), shipping lines, and other key customers within the assigned region.
• Serve as a primary Ports America Chesapeake representative with government agencies, port authorities, regulatory organizations, industry associations, and public stakeholders, fostering productive partnerships and advancing company initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong customer, port, and stakeholder relationships by identifying, anticipating, and exceeding customer and partner needs.
• Drive Public Relations and Corporate Communications initiatives by preparing and delivering client‑facing presentations, reports, briefing materials, and executive communications for customers, governmental agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Coordinate with internal leadership to represent Ports America Chesapeake at industry meetings, customer events, public forums, trade organizations, and governmental engagements.
• Assist with legislative, regulatory, and public policy initiatives impacting terminal operations by collaborating with internal Public Affairs, Legal, and executive leadership teams.
• Partner with operations and engineering teams to drive short‑ and long‑term business plans designed to achieve company goals and objectives.
• Develop and operate within approved fiscal budget limits while achieving targeted P&L results.
• Foster a collaborative culture by promoting effective teamwork, communication, and employee engagement across all departments.
• Promote communication regarding current operations, customer relationship status, and stakeholder engagement activities through regular meetings and periodic reporting.
• Develop, communicate, and maintain operating and administrative procedures designed to support commercial objectives and facilitate internal best practices.
• Ensure all company policies, procedures, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations are followed accurately and on schedule.
• Drive commercial sales and marketing objectives by leading local business development efforts, supporting contract negotiations, and cultivating long‑term customer relationships.
• Partner with operations to improve productivity and efficiency by aligning operational practices with commercial objectives.
• Support crisis communications and customer response efforts during operational disruptions by coordinating timely, accurate communication with customers, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Complete other tasks and projects assigned.

• Climb up and down a ladder on a vessel when needed.
• Work in changing weather conditions.
• Work in an environment with moving equipment, machinery, and cargo operations.

• BS/BA degree in Marine Administration, Transportation, Operations Management, Engineering, Public Administration, Business, Communications, or a related discipline.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive management experience.
• Expertise in terminal operations, planning, and stevedore operations.
• Experience with computerized operating systems.
• Experience managing labor and working with related union contracts.
• Knowledge of safety and accident prevention codes and regulations, including applicable governmental regulations.
• Experience managing customer…