Director Maritime Business & Trade Lane Development

Massachusetts Port Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work/life balance

Supportive and inclusive culture

Opportunities for growth

Job summary

Massachusetts Port Authority is seeking a Director of Maritime Business and Trade Lane Development to enhance the Port of Boston's competitiveness. The role demands a strategic mindset, strong customer relationship management, and leadership capabilities, ideally with over seven years of experience in ocean cargo or cruise industries. Responsibilities include driving growth, collaborating with departments, and representing Massport externally. The position promises a dynamic work environment focused on collaboration, growth, and sustainability.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in ocean cargo or cruise transportation.
• Proven supervisory experience and ability to mentor teams.
• Experience in commercial contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic growth across cargo and cruise operations.
• Collaborate with departments for long-term port planning.
• Represent Massport in industry settings and monitor market trends.

Skills

Ocean cargo management

Cruise transportation expertise

Team leadership

Market analysis

Customer relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

DATAMYNE

PIERS

Job description

The Massachusetts Port Authority is Going Above and Beyond for your career. We are a dynamic organization that connects people and businesses to the global community by air, land, and sea. Our employees are essential in moving planes, cargo, and cruise ships safely, efficiently, and sustainably. We are an economic engine, managing real estate assets where people live, work, and play. Together, the properties we own and operate generate $20 billion for the region’s economy.

Our mission at the Port of Boston, including Conley Container Terminal and Flynn Cruiseport, is to be a driving force behind the New England regional economy, providing unparalleled connectivity and services to businesses worldwide. Through our dedicated commitment to safety and security, state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, and exceptional customer service, we strive to minimize our ecological impact and become leaders in environmental stewardship, benefiting our communities, customers, and stakeholders. By fostering economic prosperity, building strong community bonds, and maintaining unwavering operational standards, we aim to exceed expectations and position Boston as a premier and competitive global maritime gateway.

ABOUT YOU

As a Director, Maritime Business and Trade Lane Development, you bring a strategic, forward‑looking mindset that allows you to navigate complex global markets, strengthen key relationships, and identify opportunities that advance the Port’s commercial position. You communicate with clarity and influence, aligning cross‑functional teams and senior leaders while representing the organization confidently to external stakeholders. You thrive in a collaborative, fast‑moving environment, using data, industry insight, and sound judgment to guide decisions, mentor your team, and drive sustainable growth that delivers meaningful impact across the region.

What you will do:

• Drives strategic growth by evaluating markets, identifying new opportunities, and strengthening customer and carrier relationships across cargo and cruise operations.
• Collaborates across departments to align priorities, support long‑term port planning, manage timelines and budgets, and develop customer‑focused, value‑added solutions.
• Leads and mentors a team to coordinate business development efforts and advance initiatives that enhance the Port’s competitiveness.
• Prepares high‑level communications, represents Massport in industry settings, and monitors market trends to promote the Port of Boston and inform decision‑making.

What you offer:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, supply chain, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in ocean cargo, cruise transportation, or related business development.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team.
• Proven success managing complex cross‑functional projects, communicating effectively with senior leadership, and applying data, analytics, and planning tools to guide decisions.
• Experience in commercial contract negotiations and strong customer‑relationship management skills, effectively serving as a liaison between customers and operational teams.
• Strong understanding of maritime commerce and familiarity with trade data tools such as DATAMYNE and PIERS.

WHAT WE OFFER

Collaboration with colleagues at all levels of leadership from all different disciplines, from Aviation to Maritime and beyond. Every day is different at Massport and the breadth of our impact on the Massachusetts region through our facilities provides many opportunities for our employees to grow, learn, and explore the many areas of our business. Our business is all about connecting. We support and take pride in the employees that make those connections possible each and every day.

• Work/life balance
• A supportive and inclusive culture
• Opportunities for growth
• Providing safe, healthy, and secure work environment
• Supporting the people and businesses of New England
• Achieving results and having positive impact
• Being good neighbors in the communities we serve
• Protecting the environment

The Director, Business and Trade Lane Development drives the Port of Boston’s commercial growth by shaping strategic trade lane initiatives, strengthening customer and carrier relationships, and identifying opportunities that enhance the Port’s competitiveness across cargo and cruise markets. The role collaborates closely with internal teams, terminal operators, transportation providers, shipping lines, cargo and cruise partners, regional business and tourism stakeholders, and senior leadership to advance service expansion, support long term infrastructure planning, and promote sustainable economic growth for the region.