Vice President of Business Development

Vice President of Business Development/Commercial Manager

i. Position Overview

1. The Vice President of Business Development/Commercial Manager will be a key leader responsible for driving growth in the bulk, breakbulk, and project cargo segments in order to attract cargo to the company’s current and future terminals. This individual will serve as a client-focused go-getter, actively seeking and developing new business opportunities while establishing and executing a strategic commercial plan.
2. The ideal candidate will blend strong interpersonal skills with the ability to analyze market trends, distill insights, and develop actionable strategies that position the company as the preferred partner in the industry.
3. Additionally, this role will support the expansion team by providing knowledge and expertise within the port industry to identify and evaluate new growth and partnership opportunities.

ii. Key Responsibilities

1. Client Acquisition & Relationship Management
2. Proactively identify, engage, and secure new clients in the bulk, breakbulk, and project cargo sectors.
3. Cultivate long-term relationships with key stakeholders, including shippers, cargo owners, freight forwarders, and other industry partners.
4. Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and client meetings to promote services and establish connections.
5. Partner with cross-functional teams, including operations and marketing, to ensure seamless service delivery and client satisfaction.
6. Strategic Planning & Market Analysis
7. Conduct thorough market research to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive dynamics.
8. Analyze client needs, cargo flows, and emerging markets to shape the company’s business development strategy.
9. Collaborate with internal teams to develop tailored solutions that meet client requirements and align with organizational goals.
10. Revenue Growth & Commercial Strategy
11. Drive revenue growth by negotiating and closing commercial agreements with new and existing clients.
12. Develop and implement a comprehensive commercial strategy to expand market share and enhance profitability in the bulk, breakbulk, and project cargo segments.
13. Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies to ensure targets are met or exceeded.

iii. Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
2. Proven track record of success in business development within the port, maritime, or logistics industries, with a focus on import/export of bulk, breakbulk, and project cargo. Knowledge and experience of the rail and trucking industry is a plus.
3. Extensive knowledge and established relationships within the port, maritime and logistics industries, with a focus on import/export of bulk, breakbulk, and project cargo, particularly on East Coast and Gulf ports.
4. Strong client-facing and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships.
5. Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop actionable strategies.
6. Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
7. Willingness to travel extensively to meet with clients and attend industry events.

iv. Package and Benefits

1. Salary $120,000 - $200,000 (dependent on experience)
2. Yearly bonus performance dependent up to 25% equivalent of base salary
3. Fully expensed company car/car allowance
4. Uncapped commission structure, realistically achieving 40% of base salary
5. Private Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance