Manager, Non-Container Cargo in Tacoma, Washington at Northwest Seaport Alliance

Anticipated hiring range is between $113,148 - $139,740 depending on qualifications.

This position focuses on all non-container cargo businesses, primarily breakbulk (RORO/LOLO). As part of the non-container business development team, the position will conduct business development activities, assist with business research and management and be responsible for managing the organization’s tariff.

As part of The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), the Manager, Non-Container Cargo is part of the non-container team responsible for creating and implementing the business development strategies to promote the growth of the Auto, Breakbulk and Military business for the gateway. This position develops and executes strategic sales plans to retain, expand and secure non-container business targeting International and Domestic Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo Ocean Carriers, beneficial cargo owners, Stevedores, and Engineering Procurement Companies. The position is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing relationships with assigned customers, prospective customers including stakeholders and keeping the NWSA management informed of significant activities and market conditions. This position will be responsible for management of the NWSA Tariff #300 and follow the guidelines for making updates.

• Business Development – develop and implement business development plans to attract and expand non-container business with a focus on breakbulk cargo. Form relationships with Ocean Carriers, Stevedores, Importers/Receivers, Labor, BCO’s and other interested parties in North America with the purpose of growing the non-container business portfolio. Formulate and implement new marketing ideas that promote and strengthen the competitiveness of the gateway and secure new non-container cargo business.
• Business Management – Assist with the management of the overall Non-Container line of business. Manage the tariff. Assist and initiate with the implementation of actions that improve operation and financial performance of the NWSA’s non-container commercial business. Manage and facilitate the communications between non-container customers and their service providers, NWSA Operations team, Ocean Carriers, Stevedores, and other interested parties to ensure the delivery of quality services and customized solutions. Leverage operational knowledge to initiate and implement actions that improve operational and financial performance of the non-container cargo business.
• Customer Care and Relationship Management – Create strong relationships with key decision makers at international Ocean Carriers, non-container BCO’s, Stevedores, Rail Roads, Labor, and other associated stakeholders to ensure customer satisfaction and to leverage new business opportunities. Assist and recommend follow up actions that strengthen, build, and enhance positive working relationships with the purpose of promoting cargo growth. Collect and record business and customer intelligence in CRM including customer profiles.
• Market Representation - Represent and promote the NWSA at customer meetings, key industry events, and trade shows as well in the Northwest Marine Terminals Association. Gather, analyze market trends, and customer feedback to help reshape the NWSA’s non container marketing and business development plan and to advance the NWSA’s commercial initiatives.
• Assist with development and support of other commercial and NWSA projects as needed. Support operations projects and duties as assigned. Must be able to cross function with operations and business development colleagues as directed. Performs other commercial projects and duties as assigned. Maintains successful inter-departmental relationships necessary for project support.

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field is required. An additional four (4) years of relevant experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.

Four (4) years of progressively responsible business development experience in sales, operations, or marketing positions preferably in the shipping industry working directly with Ocean Carriers, Marine Terminal Operators, BCO’s, NVO’s, Project Forwarders, Charter vessels or Shippers required. Public speaking, report writing, creating, and delivering presentations and proposal preparation experience are also required.

Requires a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record, to operate Port/NWSA vehicles, travel between work sites, attend off-site meetings and/or events, and perform essential job functions.
Must have the ability to make transactional and analytical decisions related to research, planning, and negotiating, financing and other transactional issues. Must also possess excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a highly professional team. The ability to balance the best interests of the alliance and customer plans and strategies is also required. The ability to think and act creatively in achieving business goals is a key characteristic for success. Strong written communication skills are mandatory for success, including customer correspondence as well as internal and Commission memo communications. Must have strong presentation skills and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Software including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.