Cargo Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $113,148.00 - $181,020.00 Annually
Location : South Harbor, Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Regular/Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 736
Department: Non-Container
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON
Anticipated Starting Salary: $113,148 - $139,740 depending on qualifications
Job Summary
Anticipated hiring range is between $113,148 - $139,740 depending on qualifications.
This position focuses on all non-container cargo businesses, primarily breakbulk (RORO/LOLO). As part of the non-container business development team, the position will conduct business development activities, assist with business research and management and be responsible for managing the organization's tariff.
As part of The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), the Manager, Non-Container Cargo is part of the non-container team responsible for creating and implementing the business development strategies to promote the growth of the Auto, Breakbulk and Military business for the gateway. This position develops and executes strategic sales plans to retain, expand and secure non-container business targeting International and Domestic Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo Ocean Carriers, beneficial cargo owners, Stevedores, and Engineering Procurement Companies. The position is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing relationships with assigned customers, prospective customers including stakeholders and keeping the NWSA management informed of significant activities and market conditions. This position will be responsible for management of the NWSA Tariff #300 and follow the guidelines for making updates.
Primary Functions

• Business Development - develop and implement business development plans to attract and expand non-container business with a focus on breakbulk cargo. Form relationships with Ocean Carriers, Stevedores, Importers/Receivers, Labor, BCO's and other interested parties in North America with the purpose of growing the non-container business portfolio. Formulate and implement new marketing ideas that promote and strengthen the competitiveness of the gateway and secure new non-container cargo business.
• Business Management - Assist with the management of the overall Non-Container line of business. Manage the tariff. Assist and initiate with the implementation of actions that improve operation and financial performance of the NWSA's non-container commercial business. Manage and facilitate the communications between non-container customers and their service providers, NWSA Operations team, Ocean Carriers, Stevedores, and other interested parties to ensure the delivery of quality services and customized solutions. Leverage operational knowledge to initiate and implement actions that improve operational and financial performance of the non-container cargo business.
• Customer Care and Relationship Management - Create strong relationships with key decision makers at international Ocean Carriers, non-container BCO's, Stevedores, Rail Roads, Labor, and other associated stakeholders to ensure customer satisfaction and to leverage new business opportunities. Assist and recommend follow up actions that strengthen, build, and enhance positive working relationships with the purpose of promoting cargo growth. Collect and record business and customer intelligence in CRM including customer profiles.
• Market Representation - Represent and promote the NWSA at customer meetings, key industry events, and trade shows as well in the Northwest Marine Terminals Association. Gather, analyze market trends, and customer feedback to help reshape the NWSA's non container marketing and business development plan and to advance the NWSA's commercial initiatives.
• Assist with development and support of other commercial and NWSA projects as needed. Support operations projects and duties as assigned. Must be able to cross function with operations and business development colleagues as directed. Performs other commercial projects and duties as assigned. Maintains successful inter-departmental relationships necessary for project support.

Required Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in business or related field is required. An additional four (4) years of relevant experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
Four (4) years of progressively responsible business development experience in sales, operations, or marketing positions preferably in the shipping industry working directly with Ocean Carriers, Marine Terminal Operators, BCO's, NVO's, Project Forwarders, Charter vessels or Shippers required. Public speaking, report writing, creating, and delivering presentations and proposal preparation experience are also required.
Requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record, to operate Port/NWSA vehicles, travel between work sites, attend off-site meetings and/or events, and perform essential job functions.
Additional Requirements
Must have the ability to make transactional and analytical decisions related to research, planning, and negotiating, financing and other transactional issues. Must also possess excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a highly professional team. The ability to balance the best interests of the alliance and customer plans and strategies is also required. The ability to think and act creatively in achieving business goals is a key characteristic for success. Strong written communication skills are mandatory for success, including customer correspondence as well as internal and Commission memo communications. Must have strong presentation skills and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Software including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
This individual must demonstrate a caring customer service attitude, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and dedication to the organization's core values: Service Excellence and Partnership; Boldness, Innovation and Adaptability; Environmental Leadership; Fiscal Responsibility; Asset Management; and Health and Safety.
NWSA seeks candidates who will embrace and model these values both internally and externally, and who understand what it means to carry out these values in their everyday work. We value individuals who also bring an impeccable work ethic, honesty, and integrity, and who consistently exhibit enthusiasm, energy, and a drive to succeed.
In accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, all persons offered employment must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Proof will be required prior to employment.
The successful candidate must possess (or obtain within 30 days of employment) a valid driver's license. Candidate must be able to successfully complete a background investigation. Candidate must also be able to obtain/maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Information on this program can be viewed here.
THE NORTHWEST SEAPORT ALLIANCE IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WORKPLACE THAT IS FREE FROM ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT. WE ADHERE TO ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS.
As an employer of choice, the Northwest Seaport Alliance is proud to offer an excellent benefits package. This includes medical, prescription, vision and dental with no out-of-pocket premiums and full coverage for employee, spouse, and all eligible dependents. In addition, the NWSA also offers vacation, twelve paid holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, participation in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and a NWSA-funded Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) account for out-of-pocket health related expenses for employees and their eligible dependents. The NWSA's benefits package is valued between 45%-55% of base salary.
01
Do you have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business, transportation, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02
How many years of progressively responsible business development experience in sales, operations, or marketing positions do you have?

• 0 to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 8 years
• 8 years or more

03
Briefly describe your experience in the shipping industry working directly with Ocean Carriers, Marine Terminal Operators, BCO's, NVO's, Project Forwarders, Charter vessels or Shippers. If none, enter N/A.
04
Briefly describe you work-related experience in public speaking, report writing, creating and delivering presentations and proposal preparation below. If none, enter N/A.
Required Question