Posted: 15-Jan-26
Location: Houston, Texas
Type: Full Time
Required Education:
Internal Number: T 3001
ABOUT PORT HOUSTON: Port Houston is one of the nation’s premier maritime gateways and a cornerstone of global commerce, serving as the non-federal sponsor of the Houston Ship Channel and operator of eight public marine terminals. As a powerful regional economic engine, the Port generates over $439 billion in statewide economic impact and supports more than 1.5 million jobs across Texas. Guided by its 2050 Long Range Plan, Port Houston is advancing a bold vision for sustainable growth and operational excellence, grounded in its Seven Cs strategic framework: Channel, Cargo, Change, Community, Connection, Culture, and Capital. With over $10 billion in projected investment needs and an evolving trade, energy, and infrastructure landscape, Port Houston is uniquely positioned for transformative expansion.
POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, the Director of Trade Development leads the strategic expansion of Port Houston’s global trade, logistics, and commercial initiatives across its facilities. This role is responsible for developing and executing trade growth strategies, cultivating relationships with customers and industry partners, identifying new business opportunities, and positioning Port Houston as a preferred gateway for international commerce to support growth and gain market share. The Director oversees a team of trade development professionals and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to align trade strategy with infrastructure capabilities and market demands.
LOCATION: Houston, TX (no remote)
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree required, master’s preferred
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in international trade, port or terminal operations, maritime transportation, logistics, or related commercial development roles.
- Proven track record of successfully recruiting and retaining major trade clients and/or carriers.
- Previous management/supervisory experience is required.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
- Excellent communication skills and executive presence. Strong comfort level with presentations and public speaking.
The ideal candidate will also possess the following:
- Experience working with container ocean carriers.
- Familiarity with ocean carrier trade management, networking planning and sales.
- Current relationships with BCO's strongly preferred.
- International experience and cross-cultural acumen.
- Existing network in the shipping, logistics or trade promotion industry.
- Fluency in a second language is a plus.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Competitive base salary plus excellent benefits.
TO APPLY: Please submit resume & cover letter to Jeff Dvonch jeff@shey-harding.com / www.shey-harding.com The initial close date for the search is Friday, February 13, 5pm Central time. Port Houston reserves the right to accept additional submissions after the close date.
OTHER:
- Must have previous U.S. work experience and eligibility to work in the U.S. without restrictions.
- Complete job description and additional information is available upon request. Sue Dvonch: sue@shey-harding.com or Jeff Dvonch: jeff@shey-harding.com
- Port Houston is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.