MANAGING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL SERVICES (CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER)

Full Job Description

Salary Range: $255,585 – $357,819

ABOUT US

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s busiest seaports and is a leading gateway for international trade.

Guided by its bold new 2050 vision and a plan to double current container volumes to 20 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2050, the Port of Long Beach is strategically modernizing the Port’s infrastructure with $3.2 billion in capital investments over the next decade.

Today the Port moves cargo valued at $300 billion a year and generates 2.7 million jobs across the United States.

Industry leaders named Long Beach “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for a seventh consecutive year and “The Best Green Seaport” in 2025.

THE TEAM

The Commercial Services Bureau integrates multiple divisions (Business Development, Tenant Services and Operations, Information Management, and Security) into a single framework focused on commercial performance and customer service.

Functioning as the business-facing arm of the port, the bureau is responsible for attracting cargo, supporting tenants, managing technology and information systems, and coordinating security to ensure efficient and competitive port operations.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Managing Director of Commercial Services acts as the port’s chief commercial leader, and is responsible for growing cargo business, managing relationships with supply-chain stakeholders, and overseeing the services that support efficient trade operations.

The role combines executive leadership, industry relationship management, operational coordination, and strategic planning to ensure the port attracts business and operates efficiently.

The Managing Director serves as a trusted tactical partner working closely with all elements of the supply chain—including ocean carriers, railroads, trucking companies, and cargo owners (imports and exports)—to promote the Port’s value proposition and drive new business opportunities.

CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION)

To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual information session on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM PDT via MicrosoftTeams.

This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice!

Candidates are not required to be on camera. Click here to join the meeting.

To join audio-only, call +1 323-451-1087. Phone Conference ID: 129 900 268#. Please note that the PowerPoint presentation will not be visible to participants joining the audio-only meeting.

Requirements

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Provides executive leadership and oversight for the Commercial Operations Bureau, including the Business Development, Security, and Tenant Services & Operations divisions; establishes goals, monitors performance, and ensures delivery of high-quality, customer-focused services
• Leads business development efforts by analyzing global trade trends, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing strategies to increase market share
• Collaborates with key supply chain partners—including ocean carriers, beneficial cargo owners, terminal operators, railroads, and trucking companies—to enhance service delivery and strengthen the Port’s competitive position
• Sets strategic direction for the Bureau, aligning programs and services with the Port’s overall mission, priorities, and long-term vision
• Drives innovation and continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging data, technology, and performance metrics to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience
• Oversees development and administration of the Bureau’s annual budget, ensuring responsible and effective allocation of resources
• Represents the Port in trade missions, industry forums, and public engagements to promote its value and expand domestic and international partnerships
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with Commissioners, government officials, industry leaders, community stakeholders, and Port staff
• Evaluates operational risks and emerging challenges, developing strategies to mitigate threats and ensure continuity of operations
• Advances the Port’s sustainability and environmental goals by integrating green initiatives and regulatory compliance into commercial operations and business strategies
• Ensures alignment and coordination across Port bureaus and departments to support enterprise-wide priorities and major strategic initiatives
• Promotes a positive public image of the Port through strategic communications, marketing, and community engagement efforts
• Performs other related duties as assigned

What success will look like...

The successful candidate will be a strategic, politically astute leader with a deep understanding of maritime operations, trade relations, and the global supply chain.

Being politically savvy is critical—as you will need to navigate government structures, board relationships, and community interests while advancing business goals.

The individual will bring proven experience implementing innovative programs that enhance service delivery and organizational value, ideally within the goods movement or port environment.

This individual will demonstrate exceptional communication and public speaking, along with a strong command of policy development, environmental stewardship, and business operations.

Integrity will be paramount, with a clear commitment to ethical leadership and sound decision-making in a complex, high-profile environment.

Success in this role will be defined by the ability to lead and inspire diverse, multidisciplinary teams while fostering collaboration across functional areas.

The ideal candidate will empower division leaders, manage competing priorities with sound judgment, and consistently deliver results that advance the port’s 2050 vision and goal to double current container volumes to 20 million TEUs by 2050.

Qualifications

• Educational Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Public or Business Administration, Maritime Transportation, Logistics or a closely related field is required. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience Requirements: A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible, professional-level management experience is required, with a focus on international trade within a complex, fast-paced environment and a diverse workforce.

In addition, at least four years of senior management experience overseeing a similar sized workforce (approximately 170 FTE’s) and budget ($91.5M) in supply chain management, shipping, terminal/port operations, or maritime related business is strongly preferred.

How to stand out...

It is essential to have a strong foundation in the goods movement ecosystem—i.e., experience optimizing supply chain networks and working with or alongside ocean carriers, terminal operators, railroads, trucking companies, or beneficial cargo owners.

Candidates who have worked as a cargo owner’s lead supply chain or logistics officer or senior commercial officer for a shipping company or large terminal will stand out.

This position requires prior U.S. work experience and authorization to work in the United States without restriction. Candidates who require visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered.

Additional Information

The final filing date for this recruitment is Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must email a cover letter and resume (as PDF attachments) reflecting the scope of your current/most recent organization experience and responsibilities to Shey-Harding Executive Search (www.shey-harding.com) at jeff@shey-harding.com or (562) 252-8516.

Individuals most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related assessment and/or panel interview to further evaluate qualifications.

First and second-round panel interviews are scheduled for May 7, 2026 (virtual), and May 18, 2026 (in-person). Candidates should ensure they are available on both dates.

The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on completing a comprehensive background check.

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.

You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer.

If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/.

If you require accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of $255,585 – $357,819. An attractive package of executive-level benefits is also included, with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States. The Port’s generous benefits package includes:

• Auto Allowance – $550.00 per month
• Executive Leave – 40 hours per year.
• Recruitment Incentive of up to $6,000: $1,000 at time of hire; $2,000 after six (6) months of service (1,044 hours worked); $3,000 after 18 months of service (3,132 hours worked).
• Retirement – CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with Social Security. Current member contributions are 8.00% for CalPERS and 6.2% for Social Security, paid by the employee.
• Pay for Performance – Pay for Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.
• Deferred Compensation – The City contributes up to 5% of the base salary for all qualified members contributing to the 457(b) plan.
• Group Health Insurance – Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Life Insurance – City-paid life insurance policy of $20,000 plus executive insurance benefit equal to three times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance – City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation – Vacation is accrued at 3.7 hours per pay period to begin, which is equivalent to two (2) weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six (6) months of service.
• Sick Leave – Accrued at eight (8) hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement into cash credits toward health and/or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave – After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays – 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Bereavement Leave – Five (5) days for the death or critical illness of an immediate family member.
• Education Reimbursement – Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Annual Physical – Eligible to receive an annual physical examination at the city's expense through the city-provided program.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness – As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

529 college savings plan – The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union.

Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S.

college or university, or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

www.polb.com