Commercial Operations Manager

Ports America; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Ports America Chesapeake seeks a Commercial Operations Manager to lead the port's cargo business development, coordinating with shipping lines, BCOs, government stakeholders, and terminal staff to drive growth and operational excellence.

The role focuses on executive client engagement, public affairs coordination, budgeting, and cross-functional leadership to deliver safe, efficient operations and strong relationships across regulatory bodies and customers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive management experience.
• Expertise in terminal operations, planning, and stevedore operations.
• Experience with computerized operating systems.
• Experience managing labor and union contracts.
• Knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead value-added commercial efforts delivering service to clients.
• Manage strategic relationships with port authorities, shipping lines, and customers.
• Serve as primary Ports America Chesapeake representative with government agencies and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships by identifying customer and partner needs.
• Drive public relations and corporate communications for clients and agencies.
• Coordinate with leadership to represent Ports America Chesapeake at events and meetings.
• Support legislative, regulatory, and public policy initiatives impacting operations.
• Partner with operations and engineering to align plans with commercial objectives.
• Develop and operate within approved fiscal budget to achieve P&L targets.
• Promote teamwork, communication, and employee engagement across departments.

Skills

Leadership

Client facing

Strategic relationships

Public affairs

Government liaison

Communication

Public speaking

Education

BS/BA degree in Marine Administration

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Terminal systems software

Job description

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.

Essential Duties

• 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.

Physical Working Attributes

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 relationships and interacting with public agencies, port authorities, or governmental stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of managerial and leadership principles with the ability to influence management team members and lead technically proficient teams.
• Demonstrated experience in customer relationship management, public affairs, government relations, stakeholder engagement, or external affairs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive presentations, client communications, and public‑facing materials.
• Experience working with port authorities, maritime regulatory agencies, economic development organizations, or other governmental entities.
• Familiarity with all aspects of terminal systems support, including software applications, equipment, and workflow.
• Extensive knowledge of safety, health, and environmental issues affecting terminal operations, including local, state, federal, and regulatory agency requirements.
• Working knowledge of budget preparation and financial management.
• Ability to exercise sound business judgment, establish priorities, and make strategic decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion, professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment when interacting with customers, elected officials, government representatives, and executive leadership.

NOTE

This job description is not intended to be all‑inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Ports America is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; national origin; sex (including pregnancy); sexual orientation; gender identity and/or expression; age; disability; genetic information, citizenship status; military service obligations or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Maryland Pay Transparency: $85k - $105k

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