Southern Ports operates the gateway ports of Albany, Bunbury, and Esperance, connecting regional WA to global markets. We focus on safe, efficient, and sustainable port operations, delivering value to our customers and communities. With a strong commitment to our people, we’re building a diverse, high‑performing workforce to support the future of regional trade.

Benefits of Joining Southern Ports

- Flexible Working Arrangements
- Annual Health and Well‑being Benefits
- Salary Sacrificing Options
- Opportunity to Travel across Western Australia
- Generous Purchase Leave Options

The Role

Join Southern Ports as our Trade and Business Development Manager and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of trade across the Ports of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance. This senior leadership opportunity is ideal for a commercially driven professional who can identify trade growth opportunities, build strong customer and stakeholder relationships, and lead the strategic management of trade, property and regulatory licensing. You'll drive sustainable revenue growth, optimise commercial outcomes, ensure regulatory compliance, and help deliver long‑term value for Southern Ports and the communities we serve.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Lead the Trade, Property and Regulatory Licensing functions, fostering a high‑performing, customer‑focused team and driving continuous improvement.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, industry partners and stakeholders to identify growth opportunities and deliver commercial value.
- Negotiate and manage commercial contracts, leases, licences and port service agreements, ensuring effective governance and compliance.
- Provide strategic oversight of Southern Ports' property portfolio, including land, leased assets and port waters, to maximise commercial outcomes.
- Analyse market trends, customer insights and commercial performance to support pricing, business cases, asset utilisation and sustainable revenue growth.
- Collaborate across the business to manage commercial risk,



ensure regulatory compliance and deliver strategic trade, property and licensing initiatives.

Required

- Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Law or a related discipline.
- Extensive senior commercial management experience, including negotiating, managing and administering complex commercial agreements.
- Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, commercial analysis, due diligence and delivering commercially sound outcomes.
- Strong knowledge of property and lease management, relevant legislation, governance and commercial best practice.
- Excellent negotiation, communication and relationship management skills, with strong financial and analytical capability.

Preferred

- Experience leading commercial functions through significant organisational change or business transformation.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience in property portfolio optimisation and strategic asset management.
- Experience within the ports, shipping, transport or broader logistics sectors.
- Knowledge of best‑practice contract and property management systems and processes.
- Understanding of regional export commodities, particularly grain, woodchip and mineral products, and the State Government workplace in which Government Trading Enterprises operate.

Requirements

- Current Western Australian driver’s licence.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Maritime Security Identification Card.
- Pass a pre‑employment medical assessment including drug and alcohol testing.
- Provide a National Police Certificate that is within a 6‑month period.

Southern Ports is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, gender, age, religion, sexual preference or disability. We encourage applications from all culturally diverse backgrounds, Indigenous Australians and Non‑Indigenous Australians. Southern Ports is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and impartial workplace with equal opportunities for all employees.

Applications close: COB 17 August 2026

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📌 Trade and Business Development Manager (Perth)
🏢 Southern Ports
📍 Perth