Chief Commercial Officer

Job Purpose/Summary:

The Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) leads Young Brothers’ enterprise commercial strategy and is responsible for driving sustainable cargo growth, strengthening strategic partnerships, and enhancing the company’s market position as Hawai‘i’s primary inter-island freight transportation provider.

Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the Leadership Team, the CCO oversees all commercial functions including business development, strategic partnerships, customer relations, marketing, and corporate communications. The CCO is also responsible for gathering and analyzing customer experience data and partnering with operations to continuously improve service quality and overall customer satisfaction.

This role plays a critical leadership function in aligning commercial strategy with operational capacity, regulatory requirements, and the company’s long-term strategic plan. The CCO works closely with Operations, Finance, Government Affairs, and Executive leadership to identify growth opportunities, develop pricing strategies, strengthen customer relationships across the islands, and ensure Young Brothers remains a trusted logistics partner to Hawai‘i’s communities and businesses.

The ideal candidate brings broad industry knowledge, experience operating in both local and international markets, and a strong understanding of logistics, freight forwarding, stevedoring, barge and tug operations.

Essential Functions:

Enterprise Commercial Strategy

• Identify and assess opportunities to expand cargo volumes, diversify customer segments, and strengthen Young Brothers’ role in Hawai‘i’s supply chain.
• Develop and execute a long-term commercial strategy that drives sustainable growth and supports the company’s overall strategic priorities.
• Partner with the President and leadership team to align commercial initiatives with operational capacity, capital investments, and strategic priorities.
• Provide market intelligence and competitive analysis to support executive decision-making.
• Support strategic positioning related to regulatory matters, including Public Utilities Commission rate cases and policy developments affecting maritime transportation.

business development & Strategic Partnerships

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with major shippers, logistics providers, distributors, and supply chain partners serving Hawai‘i.
• Develop commercial strategies that support key sectors of Hawai‘i’s economy, including retail, construction, agriculture, food distribution, and energy.
• Lead the negotiation and execution of complex, high-value commercial agreements with key customers and partners, ensuring terms are structured to drive long-term value, operational alignment, and sustainable growth.
• Explore opportunities to enhance service offerings, improve logistics coordination, and deliver value-added solutions that strengthen customer relationships and commercial performance.

Customer Relations & Cargo Growth

• Oversee the company’s customer relations and customer experience programs to strengthen long-term customer partnerships.
• Ensure proactive engagement with key customers across all island markets.
• Establish systems for collecting and analyzing customer feedback to improve service delivery and commercial performance.
• Lead initiatives to improve customer transparency, communication, and service reliability.

Marketing, Brand & Corporate Communications

• Direct Young Brothers’ enterprise brand strategy and market positioning.
• Oversee marketing, digital communications, and media engagement.
• Lead strategic messaging regarding the company’s role in Hawai‘i’s supply chain and local economy.
• Coordinate communications related to major company initiatives, industry developments, and public interest issues.
• Provide executive leadership during crisis communications or major service disruptions.

Government, Community & Industry Engagement

• Support executive engagement with government leaders, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Represent Young Brothers at industry forums, community events, and business organizations.
• Build strong relationships with community partners and economic stakeholders across the islands.
• Collaborate with Government Affairs to monitor legislative and policy developments affecting maritime transportation and logistics.

Leadership & Organizational Oversight:

• Provide leadership over Business Development and Sales, Customer Relations and Experience, and Marketing and Communications functions.
• Establish performance metrics and accountability structures aligned with commercial goals.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, customer focus, and innovation.
• Work closely with Operations leadership to ensure commercial initiatives align with service capabilities and operational efficiency. 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in commercial strategy, business development, and transportation or logistics environments, including freight forwarding, stevedoring, and barge or tug operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading commercial growth initiatives within complex or regulated environments.
• Proven ability to structure and lead complex, high-value commercial negotiations and strategic partnerships.
• Broad industry knowledge, with experience operating in diverse or multi-market environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, transportation logistics, and maritime operations.
• Proven ability to influence, collaborate, and drive alignment among senior executives, government leaders, and key external stakeholders.
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Working Conditions: Primarily office-based with regular travel throughout Hawai‘i to engage customers, community stakeholders, and industry partners. Occasional mainland or international travel may be required.

Position Content: This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, these requirements may change over time.  Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.

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