Job Description
Primary purpose of position
The Trade Development Officer is responsible for identifying and converting business development opportunities into sustainable, long-term trade growth at the Ports of Townsville and Lucinda. This includes fostering strong relationships with new and existing customers to support retention and expand trade volumes.
This objective will be achieved through close collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders, to deliver tailored solutions that meet customer needs. The role directly contributes to increasing vessel visits, cargo throughput, and overall revenue for the Ports.
Responsibilities
Position specific responsibilities
* Contribute to sustainable trade and business growth by identifying, pursuing, and supporting the conversion of new business opportunities across key markets and commodities
* Engage regularly with existing and prospective clients and stakeholders to maintain strong relationships, understand trade needs, and identify emerging opportunities
* Support multiple portfolios, including mining, cruise, fuels, agriculture, container liners, general cargo, and vehicle RoRo, by contributing sector-specific insights and stakeholder engagement
* Collect, analyse, and present trade and cruise-related data to support a variety of internal reports, including trade performance summaries, commodity trends, customer insights, operational efficiency metrics, and growth forecasts
* Contribute to the development and refinement of trade and business strategies across trade portfolio areas
* Provide input into corporate reporting documents, including the Annual Report, Statement of Corporate Intent (SCI), Corporate Plan, and other ad-hoc reports, with a focus on trade and cruise-related content
* Evaluate supply chain and logistics processes across the Port–customer interface to identify and recommend opportunities for operational improvements and efficiency gains
* Support the delivery of presentations to current and potential customers and stakeholders, showcasing the Port's capabilities, infrastructure, and value proposition
* Monitor commercial terms and market conditions at intrastate and interstate ports to ensure the Port of Townsville remains competitive and aligned with industry benchmarks
* Where required, coordinate staff rosters for cruise ship days, ensuring adequate personnel coverage to support smooth and efficient operations
* Where required, develop and maintain cruise day information packs. Assist in the preparation and implementation of traffic management plans and ensure all operational and logistical details are adhered to
* Any other duties as directed by the Business Development Lead
Qualifications
Essential criteria
Mandatory Requirements/qualifications/tickets/licences
* Tertiary qualifications in Marketing, Business, Commerce, Logistics, Economics or other related discipline
* Current C class Driver Licence
* National Police Clearance
* Ability to obtain a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) upon commencement of role
Skills And Experience
* Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a sales or business development role within the international logistics or freight forwarding industry
* Proven understanding of sea freight operations, import/export processes, and the broader international and domestic logistics market
* Experience in developing and implementing strategies/action plans that achieve sustainable business growth outcomes
* Experience in initiating and maintaining client and stakeholder relationships and gain credibility with a wide range of audiences
* Strong project development skills including the ability to evaluate options and recommend innovative solutions to deliver on proposed outcomes
* Experience in developing and maintaining financial modelling, forecasting and analysis tools
* High level writing and editing skills with demonstrated ability compiling industry relevant newsletters and marketing collateral featuring professional imagery and graphics
* Ability to undertake research and prepare documents including correspondence, reports, briefing papers, and visual presentations
* Excellent organisational and time management skills to cope with competing priorities
* Ability to think logically to solve challenging and complex problems and a high degree of attention to detail
Software/Systems Skills
* Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point
* Ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of the Port's IT systems