Manager Trade Growth, Shipping and Logistics
Full-time
Mackay / Brisbane
Our vision is to be recognised as a leader in responsible port trade, where Queenslanders thrive for generations. To meet our vision, our people are at the heart of our success managing safe, efficient and fair ports that connect North Queensland to the world. We do this by balancing the needs of iconic surroundings, our communities, and our stakeholders.
More than half of Queensland's international trade, by volume, passes through our ports at Weipa, Abbot Point, Mackay, and Hay Point, which makes us one of Queensland's largest Port Authorities. We take great care to provide safe, and competitive seaport services to efficiently facilitate imports and exports through our Queensland ports.
We are seeking a highly experienced Manager Trade Growth, Shipping and Logistics to identify & capture new trade opportunities, improve our customer value proposition and enhance the commercial performance of our port operations.
About the Role
Reporting to the General Manager Commercial and Maritime Services, this role is central to shaping the future of trade across NQBP's ports. You will identify, develop, and deliver commercial opportunities in emerging and existing sectors while providing specialist advice on shipping, logistics, and trade development.
You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, lead business case development, support infrastructure planning, and contribute to long-range trade forecasts and strategic initiatives. This role is ideal for a commercial professional with deep knowledge of ports, logistics and shipping operations, and a strong record of delivering trade growth with long term commercial outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
• Identify, evaluate and pursue new trade and commercial opportunities aligned with NQBP's strategic objectives.
• Develop business cases, and commercial models that demonstrate long-term commercial value.
• With a strong focus on the Port of Mackay, this role will develop, track and manage new business pipeline that achieves corporate goals.
• Build and maintain key industry, customer and government relationships to drive new trade growth and diversification.
• Work with the broader commercial and property team to ensure alignment with existing customers, tenants and stakeholders.
• Provide expert shipping and logistics advice to support operational improvements and new infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate with operational teams to optimise cargo handling, logistics processes and customer outcomes.
• Monitor global market trends and supply chain developments to inform strategic planning and trade forecasting.
• Lead or support commercial negotiations ensuring alignment with governance, risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Prepare high-quality reports, presentations and briefings for executive and Board audiences.
• Ensure accurate documentation, compliance, and ongoing performance monitoring across business development initiatives.
Essential qualifications and experience
1. Ability to obtain a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) and pass a police clearance.
2. Minimum 10 years' experience in business development, commercial or logistics roles within shipping, resources or infrastructure sectors, with demonstrated experience in ports, shipping and logistics and a track record of delivering new trade and commercial growth, including familiarity with trade forecasting tools and commercial modelling.
3. Strong commercial acumen with proven ability to assess opportunities, develop business cases, and manage risk and governance requirements.
4. Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills across industry, government and commercial sectors.
5. Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to translate market insights into actionable business and logistics solutions.
6. High-level written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive reports and presentations.
Desirable qualifications and experience
1. Experience with CRM systems and business development reporting tools.
2. Tertiary qualifications in Business, Commerce, Logistics, Maritime Studies or related fields.
3. Experience with government agencies, port authorities or the maritime industry.
Benefits of working for NQBP
− Career - we know that your experience is unique – and your career should be too. Joining us we'll help you reach your potential based on your experience, interests, and expertise: dedicated learning platform; subsidised professional qualifications.
− Exclusive benefits parental leave; 12.75% superannuation.
− Recognition - we value you. We see and understand you. Whether you're the quiet achiever or the fearless leader, you bring a unique energy like no other: Health and Wellness Program and birthday vouchers.
Joining NQBP
We are committed to inclusion and celebrating our diverse workforce, their individual talents and the innovation they bring to their work. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQI+ community, women, mature age workers and people with different abilities.
Merit is paramount in our selection process, ensuring candidates are assessed against the specific needs of the role. Additionally, we recognise the importance of diversity in skills and actively consider a broad range of capabilities when making recruitment decisions.
We have a team of diverse professionals who are committed to our values of Care, Connection, Courage and Curiosity. Our people pursue a high standard of environmental management, both of our own activities and those of commercial partners.
Application Process
If you are interested joining North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, please apply with your current resume and a covering letter. This role will remain open for applications until Sunday, 18 January 2026.