Director Maritime Business & Trade Lane Development

Massachusetts Port Authority; South Boston (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Inclusive culture

Growth opportunities

Safe work environment

Support New England businesses

Results-oriented culture

Community partnerships

Environmental stewardship

Job summary

Massachusetts Port Authority seeks a Director of Maritime Business and Trade Lane Development to drive strategic growth, expand markets, and strengthen customer and carrier relationships across cargo and cruise operations.

You will guide cross‑functional teams, mentor staff, and represent Massport in industry settings while shaping long‑term port planning and commercial initiatives.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Proven supervisory experience leading and developing a team.
• Experience managing complex cross-functional projects with senior leadership.
• Experience in commercial contract negotiations and strong CRM skills.
• Familiarity with trade data tools such as DATAMYNE and PIERS.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth by evaluating markets, identifying opportunities, and strengthening carrier relationships.
• Collaborate with departments to align port planning, timelines, budgets, and value-added solutions.
• Lead and mentor a team coordinating business development initiatives to boost competitiveness.
• Prepare high-level communications and represent Massport in industry settings.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional PM

CRM

Contract negotiations

Data analytics

Maritime trade

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

DATAMYNE

PIERS

Job description

Job Description

The Massachusetts Port Authority is 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

• Drive strategic growth by evaluating markets, identifying new opportunities, and strengthening customer and carrier relationships across cargo and cruise operations.
• Collaborate across departments to align priorities, support long‑term port planning, manage timelines and budgets, and develop customer‑focused, value‑added solutions.
• Lead and mentor a team to coordinate business development efforts and advance initiatives that enhance the Port’s competitiveness.
• Prepare high‑level communications, represent Massport in industry settings, and monitor 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

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