Chief Commercial Officer
Department: Executive \| Reports To: Chief Executive Officer \| FLSA: Exempt \| Pay Grade: 903 \| Revised: 06/2026

JOB SUMMARY

This is an in-office position domiciled in Jacksonville, Florida (USA) reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. The CCO will be responsible for leadership, strategic planning and tactical execution of the Sales & Marketing Department to grow port revenues and volumes across all major cargo types (i.e. containerized, Roll On/Roll Off, breakbulk, and dry & liquid bulk cargoes). Key accountabilities include leading all commercial team members, creating and leading the strategic business plan designed for revenue and cargo growth, directing all facets of national and international trade development, cargo sales, and market share enhancement for JAXPORT and its current customers, as well as customer service, port promotion and marketing plan development and execution. Also assists with the development and negotiation of all new contracts with port customers as well as the renegotiation and extension of existing tenants and port contracts. The CCO works with the Executive team members on policy level issues affecting JAXPORT’s growth and development – and envisioning long-term port potential. Performance is measured by year-over-year growth in cargo units, tonnage and revenue.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Development and Execution of JAXPORT’s Strategic Sales and Marketing Plan:

Develops the strategic sales and marketing plan tailored to JAXPORT’s position and potential in the market.
Directly supervises and provides direction to sales and marketing staff in establishing and executing the strategic commercial sales and marketing plan to grow port volumes and revenue. Assigns projects, sets deadlines and evaluates results.
Assists with establishing goals for staff members and ensures attainment through a performance measurement system that periodically monitors and evaluates their success.
Identifies and develops new business for JAXPORT to ensure maximum utilization of facilities at JAXPORT’s marine terminals.
Develops relationships with key leaders among ocean carriers, major shippers/BCOs and related decision makers across the globe.
Develops and executes proactive customer retention strategies to protect existing accounts, minimizes cargo diversion, and mitigate competitive threats from rival regional ports.
Ensures that Executive staff members and Board of Directors are fully briefed on commercial initiatives, market trends and potential developments.
Participates in strategic planning to utilize JAXPORT facilities and assets to best position the port for long-term growth.

Enhancement and Growth of Existing Port Business:

Leverages synergy between members of the marketing and sales team to maximize commercial push into the market.
Works with the Executive Team to develop a strategic plan that is designed to continue improvement in efficiency of operations and to increase revenue through sales and new revenue streams.
Assists existing tenants to grow their business by establishing strong relationships that provide for open exchange of information.
Researches market trends and rates to ensure competitive pricing related to contract negotiation.
Collaborates with other departments – e.g. Engineering – to reflect commercial needs and interests for the planning and design of terminal facilities to accommodate business growth.
Collaborates with the information Technology department to identify and leverage new AI and digital port solutions.

Planning & Real Estate:

Assists the senior leadership team with the acquisition and disposition of strategic real estate assets.
Leads JAXPORT’s efforts to identify new tenants and port users for port-owned property.
Works with the senior leadership team in the formulation and implementation of both short- and long-term capital projects, strategies and procedures for the development of marine facilities and infrastructure of JAXPORT.
Works closely with the senior leadership team in establishing multiple year business plans and performance tracking systems developed to ensure that all resources are properly developed and utilized.

Budget Management:

Establishes the department’s annual revenue and expense budgets.
Directs and oversees the department budget and ensures that approved expenditures are consistent with JAXPORT policy and consistent with the Authority’s budget and annual goals.

DIRECT REPORTS

Directly supervises all Sales and Marketing team members.

OTHER DUTIES

Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, business, transportation & logistics or a related field required.
Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 15 years’ experience in business development, sales and/or marketing in the maritime cargo industry.
At JAXPORT’s discretion, may substitute degree with 15 years management experience in maritime sales or marketing.
Minimum 10 years of direct supervisory experience leading commercial teams in the maritime or logistics industries.
Demonstrated effective participation in industry-related business groups or organizations.

License / Certifications

N/A

Knowledge

Extensive knowledge of global and U.S. maritime and/or logistics industries.
Detailed knowledge and an understanding of modern marketing and sales strategies as applied to the maritime industry.
Must have extensive knowledge of container, Ro/Ro, breakbulk and bulk cargo trends.
Comprehensive understanding of global market trends and developing markets, as well as the potential for development of increased business vial global ocean carriers and major shippers.
Established professional relationships with decision makers and influencers at global ocean carriers and/or logistics providers strongly preferred.

Skills Required

Outstanding supervisory skills with leadership experience managing sales and/or marketing teams.
Strong interpersonal skills, both verbal and written must be of highest order.
Must be a confident and skilled public speaker.
Strong negotiating skills.
Detail-oriented. Ability to multi-task without allowing projects to linger.
Excellent customer relations skills: ability to develop strong, positive professional relationships with tenants and key customers.
Collaborative, positive mind-set working with colleagues and direct reports.

TRAVEL

Extensive domestic and international travel required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid driver license is required and must be maintained during employment.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) during employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work to include domestic and international travel and jobsite visits.

JAXPORT will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act.

Chief Commercial Officer