Director, National Port Operations

Ocean Network Express•Vaughan, ON

2d•$130,000 - $201,250•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, National Port Operations leads and oversees Ocean Network Express’s container port operations across all North American ports. The role is responsible for strategic planning, operational execution, supplier management, performance evaluation, and service quality, with a focus on maritime and intermodal operations and the differing needs of individual port environments. The Director oversees regional and local Port Operations Managers at key ports in the United States and Canada, as well as centralized port operations support staff. The position develops and implements a national operations strategy aligned with company objectives; oversees port operations on the East and West Coasts; manages budgets, supplier relationships, performance measurement, and regulatory compliance; and leads operational improvement and crisis-response efforts. The role collaborates with internal teams and external partners and requires travel to meet with stakeholders, staff, vendors, and industry partners across North America. The position follows a hybrid work model, with at least three days per week in the office and two days remote. Ocean Network Express describes itself as the world’s sixth-largest container carrier, operating more than 240 vessels and a network of over 130 services to 120 countries and beyond.

Requirements

At least 8 years of management experience in port operations or a related field.
At least 12 years of industry-related experience in maritime, intermodal, or supply chain management.
Bachelor’s degree.
Ability to develop and implement operational strategies aligned with business goals.
Leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and manage teams across multiple locations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
Deep understanding of maritime and intermodal operations, including vessel operations, cargo handling, terminal management, and intermodal transportation.
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and solve complex operational challenges.
Ability to adapt to changing market conditions, industry trends, and operational challenges.
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present complex information to varied audiences.
Ability to manage change and changing priorities.
Commercial mindedness.
Ability to use logical and analytical methods and experience to select suitable approaches and resolve complex issues.
Knowledge of inland logistics, intermodal operations, and port operations.
Strategic planning and innovative thinking.
Successful vendor-management relationship skills.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive national port operations strategy aligned with company objectives and focused on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service quality.
Oversee day-to-day port operations on the East and West Coasts, including vessel operations, cargo handling, intermodal connections, and terminal activities.
Identify operational bottlenecks and challenges and address them proactively.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including sales, customer service, and logistics, and external partners such as port authorities, industry associations, and government agencies.
Oversee budget planning and cost control for national port operations; identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize resource utilization.
Build and maintain relationships with port-area suppliers, including terminal operators, stevedores, trucking companies, chassis providers, tug operators, husbandry agents, and railroads; manage supplier performance and service-level agreements.
Establish and monitor KPIs for operational efficiency, cost control, and service quality; analyze results and implement corrective actions and improvements.
Develop contingency plans for disruptions such as labor disputes, port congestion, and natural disasters; lead crisis response and minimize impacts on operations and customer service.
Lead, mentor, coach, and develop regional port operations managers, fostering high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations concerning port operations, safety, and environmental protection.
Travel across North America to meet with internal stakeholders, their staff, vendors, and industry partners.