Commercial Manager

Introduction

Port of Blyth, a Trust port and one of the UKs leading offshore supply bases, is looking to recruit an experienced commercial manager to support growth in the offshore energy sector.

The Port has been operating for over 140 years and has recently experienced significant growth, delivering the best four years financial performance in the business history. Its an exciting time to join the business and a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in the ongoing growth.

There are 9 berths, over 1.5km of quayside and almost 60Ha of land to offer to customers, backed up by a wealth of experience in delivering successful projects. We supply solutions across the offshore sector, with specific focus on the subsea engineering, cables and flexible pipe markets.

The Port specialises in providing turn-key solutions for customers from marine and stevedoring services to innovative storage solutions, heavy lifts and barge movements, along with property options including offices, warehousing, engineering workshops and heavy-duty storage. The one stop shop offering is supported by more than 50 supply chain companies based in Blyth, who work together to provide a unique proposition to the offshore energy sector.

Overview

As the Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of the Commercial Strategy by identifying leads and converting opportunities into B2B sales for the Port of Blyth, with a specific focus on offshore projects, including offshore wind, oil & gas, interconnectors, telecoms and decommissioning.

The main aim of the position is to win new sustainable business for the Port, by securing agreements for delivering offshore projects. These projects may range from one off vessel calls to long term lease agreements, involving vessel calls, mobilisations / demobilisations, component marshalling, asset storage / servicing and O&M. Potential customers are likely to be developers, vessel operators, Tier 1 contractors, asset owners / operators and offshore service providers.

As part of the Ports customer focus, the Commercial Manager will reflect our values, including delivering a high-quality service and going above & beyond for customers. Its important to be dynamic, flexible and have a can-do approach.

The role reports into the Commercial Director, sits within the Commercial Department and works alongside the Customer Services Manager and the Communications & Marketing team. Working as one of the wider team including operational, technical, marine and finance departments.

The Commercial Manager role is based at the Ports Head Office in Blyth. However, there is a need to be able to travel around the Northeast and wider UK, with occasional travel to Europe.

Responsibilities

The Commercial Managers key areas of responsibility will include:

Drive profitable growth for Port of Blyth, with a specific focus on the offshore energy sectors.
Networking and represent the Port at industry events, including conferences and exhibitions.
Solution focus to understand customer requirements and provide relevant, commercially viable solutions.
Support the development of accurate, timely and profitable tenders and quotations.
Expand the customer base across a variety of sectors, predominantly offshore energy, but also dry bulks, break bulks and other complementary sectors.
End to end commercial involvement including working with operational colleagues, supply chain partners and other external stakeholders.
Update the Ports Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, with relevant leads and opportunities.

Experience and Skills

Must have previous sales experience in a solution-based service environment and a track record of commercial success. Strong new business development skills, with a good ability to manage accounts to develop strategic relationships with key customers.
Relevant port, logistics, maritime, shipping and/or offshore energy experience is preferred, with an associated network. However, the right candidate will be a good fit in the business, so may have sales experience in other sectors and a willingness to learn a new sector.
A self-driven energetic go-getter, who plans their own time to deliver successful target-based results.
Be organised and have the ability and drive to spot new opportunities, consistently following up on leads to take them forward and planning ahead, while recording progress on a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system.
Trustworthy with excellent communication skills, consistently working to deliver excellent customer experience.
Inquisitive and technically aware with strong commercial acumen attention to detail around quotations, able to get into the detail and ask customer the right questions to ensure service can be delivered at a price that maintains margin.
Must be hands on and understand the service orientated, value added culture and mindset of the Port. Thinking as one team, getting involved in operational and commercial issues and being a real team player.

Remuneration Package

The role benefits from a competitive salary and associated benefits, including private healthcare and 25 days annual leave (excluding public holidays). All Port employees work as one team and are rewarded with a profit share bonus.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter, including details of your current salary to Stuart Balmer-Howieson (HR & Safety Manager):

Closing 31/01/2025

Why work at Port of Blyth?

The Port of Blyth values its employees as its most important assets and provides a comprehensive range of benefits, including a competitive salary, a generous bonus program, free private medical coverage, and regular staff events such as breakfast meetings, to create a supportive environment for employees to excel in.

The Port has taken proactive measures to promote health and wellness in the workplace. In 2023, it joined the North East Better Health at Work Award and formed a team of 10 Health Advocates to develop health campaigns and initiatives tailored to the workforce. These initiatives encompass activities like Gym in the Park sessions, Free Bike Health Checks, and NHS Free Health Checks, all of which have been well-received by the staff.

The ports dedication to enhancing health and wellness was acknowledged at the Maritime UK Awards 2024, where it was honoured with the Employer of the Year Award. This accomplishment not only provided well-deserved recognition for the employees but also served as a source of immense pride and motivation to continue striving for excellence.

About Port of Blyth

Port of Blyth is the port operating division of Blyth Harbour Commission, an independent statutory trust established in 1882. It is one of the largest Trust Ports in the UK handling cargo across four terminals based around the River Blyth.

Together with major logistics and training divisions, the Port group has a growing turnover exceeding £31 million, driven by growth across a variety of sectors but particularly offshore energy, with the Port is now recognised as a major strategic east coast base supporting the sector. Other trade handled includes containers, dry bulks (coal, aggregates, cement etc.) and marine fuels.

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