Marine Business Development Manager

Marine Business Development Manager

We're hiring a Marine Business Development Manager for the Port of Portland! As the Marine Business Development Manager, you will spearhead vital projects and initiatives that drive the future growth and success of our terminals. You'll play a pivotal role in promoting and marketing our marine terminals, fostering relationships with internal teams, terminal operators, and various stakeholders. And, representing the Port of Portland at industry events and traveling as necessary will be key aspects of your role to advance our marketing goals.

The Port of Portland operates three marine terminals that handle containerized, breakbulk, dry bulk and auto cargoes that connect businesses across the region to global markets by shipping their products to countries around the world. We provide a competitive advantage for shippers, connect people to the products they love, and support thousands of family-wage jobs!

You'll provide, facilitate, and manage decision-making tools regarding complex business development recommendations that impact the maintenance, growth, and recruitment of existing and future Marine business activities! You'll get to build relationships with staff, customers, governmental partners, and other regional communities.

Lead complex strategic projects and initiatives that are critical to future terminal development and associated revenue growth.

Manage and oversee cargo business for the Port of Portland with a primary focus in bulk cargo commodities and autos. Optimize Port assets to attract more cargo through Port facilities. Promote and market marine terminals through interaction with internal staff, terminal operators, and a variety of customers and stakeholders. Support terminal managers in maintaining commercial relationships with terminal tenants. Represent the department at industry related functions.

Travel as necessary to fulfill the Port's marketing goals.

Provide leadership and oversight of business development functions. Set and implement strategy, establish metrics and goals, manage performance, and engage team members. Ensure accountability and safety culture.

Engage with shippers, agricultural communities, existing customers, exporters, and industry associations such as Columbia River Steamship Operators' Association (CROSA) and American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) to increase awareness for Port of Portland Marine Terminal operations and cultivate relationships. This position can be highly visible and expect to be public facing.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, International Trade, or Transportation. Or, the combination of education and experience is required. Minimum of 6 years of experience managing a program in maritime business development or related field. Demonstrated ability to build trust, establish credibility, and foster strong relationships while navigating complex situations and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals. Maintain a valid state driver's license is required.

Obtain and maintain a valid US Passport at time of hire is required. Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check. Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) from the Federal government is required. All licensing fees will be reimbursed by the Port of Portland.

Demonstrated Skills & Knowledge:
Demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and a passion for being inclusive. Promote safety as a guiding principle and regular practice in accomplishing work, focus on safety improvements, and comply with safety and health policies and procedures. Show the utmost respect for others and act as a team player. Business development processes and marketing principles and practices. International business practices.

Knowledge of financial and accounting principles. Transportation and facility planning development. Land development and redevelopment. Excellent communication, including presentations and writer documents. Ability to build strong relationships. Ability managing conflict.

Selection Process: (tentative schedule):
Applications will be accepted through August 2, 2026. A minimum qualification evaluation of education, training, and experience for submitted application packets will be conducted by Human Resources the week of:
August 3. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials. Our goal is to schedule virtual first round of interviews with candidates who successfully passed the SME evaluation by mid-August; followed by a second round of panel interviews.