Staff Port Sales Representative (Midwest Account Manager)

About the Role 

The selected candidate will be responsible for managing relationships and day-to-day issues with the shipping industry as it relates to beneficial cargo owners (BCO), NVOCCs, and freight forwarders and brokers using Port Authority-owned facilities. This includes managing the development and maintenance of contacts with shipping businesses; development and execution of marketing programs and business initiatives to promote business in the Port of New York & New Jersey; and the reporting and analysis of major market trends in the international logistics industry.  This is a remote position, requiring regular travel and engagement with Port users and customers in the Midwest as well as travel inside and outside of the Port District. 

Responsibilities:

• Manage the development and maintenance of contacts in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota focused on beneficial cargo owners (BCO’s), freight forwarders, customs house brokers, ocean carrier representatives, other third-party intermediaries and other high-profile accounts in the container shipping industry.  
• Develop and execute marketing programs and business initiatives to promote business in the Port of New York & New Jersey to the container shipping industry. 
• Perform analyses and report on major market trends in the international logistics industry.   
• Provide timely information to department management on beneficial cargo owner routing decisions, development of distribution facilities and other pertinent information.  
• Prepare weekly reports on salient issues that may affect the Port’s competitive position or level of customer service regarding major BCO’s, forwarders/brokers and third-party intermediaries. 
• Maintain relationships with the maritime industry throughout the region and provide staff with information obtained pertaining to the industry’s operational and/or service needs and concerns.   
• Establish a presence at industry functions and obtain speaking roles when beneficial to the goals of the Port Authority.  
• Meet with current and prospective customers to ensure the Port’s facilities and service providers meet their needs.  
• Identify improvements to port facilities and services that could lead to new business opportunities for the Port Authority and its tenants, additional Port of New York & New Jersey cargo growth, and increased revenue to the Port Authority. 
• Synthesize information garnered from industry contacts and experience into actionable items by the Department to improve the Port’s competitive position and level of customer service. 
• Arrange for and meet with visitors to present port presentations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered eligible for this position:    

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably with a concentration in supply chain, marine transportation, marine operations, logistics, intermodal transportation, or other related field from an accredited college or university.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in port operations and/or port marketing/ sales activities for both roll-on/roll-off and containerized cargo. 
• Must have a valid driver's license. 
• The selected candidate will be required to pass a Federal Security Background check and obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) to work in a maritime environment as required by Department of Homeland Security.

Desired Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will present the following profile: 

• Demonstrated understanding of the competitive position of the Port of New York & New Jersey versus other North American ports. 
• Demonstrated experience with and understanding of port logistics and intermodal transportation, supply chain management, and the business needs of rail freight carriers, ocean carriers, and marine terminal operators. 
• Ability to develop and maintain solid working relationships with a wide range of external and internal stakeholders, including shippers, ocean carriers, Class 1 railroads, regulatory agencies and others.  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and the ability to present findings in a clear, concise manner. 
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.