General Manager Container Operations

Port of Houston Authority•La Porte, TX

12d

About The Position

Leads and manages all aspects of vessel and yard operations at Bayport and Barbours Cut container terminals including Customer Service, Gate Operations, Rail Administration, and Facilities Management for Ops/Admin staffing areas at the Container Terminals. Maintains annual budget forecasts and ensures the container terminals deliver expected KPI’s from a service and financial perspective. Participates in long term and strategic planning to ensure future success of the container terminals. Works across all Port Houston divisions to provide visibility into terminal operations, including development of new and existing customers, users, and all other external stakeholders. Manages Terminal Managers, Customer Service Manager, and Yard Planning Operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Maritime Administration, Operations Management, Transportation, or related major in a public or accredited private academic institution required
10+ years related terminal operations experience required
Knowledge of Port Houston initiatives
Knowledge of terminal systems
Knowledge of Port Houston tariffs, HR policies and procurement processes
Knowledge of department processes
Knowledge of customer concerns
Knowledge of safe policies and procedures
Leadership skills
Negotiation skills
Presentation skills
Analytical thinking skills
Collaboration and teamwork skills
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communications and organizational skills
Ability to effectively communicate with various levels of management (both internally and client facing)
Flexibility and versatility in problem analysis and resolution
Ability to pay attention to detail
Strong sense of urgency to complete work quickly and accurately
Ability to work independently and cross-functionally to initiate and drive the program to continued success and growth
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employment
Building Strategic Working Relationships
Strong Business Acumen
Continuous Learning
Effective Communication
Facilitate Change
Safety

Responsibilities

Identify and implement Operational Strategic Initiatives in a manner that accomplishes yearly key performance metrics benchmarks.
Manage vessel and yard operations to optimize productivity and safety for both container facilities.
Oversee management of ILA labor costs, representing ~ 60million annually in expenses
Lead labor relations and negotiations with ILA and work to resolve disputes and enforce discipline.
Lead Customer Service and Gate Operations, and support administration of rail operations and business development.
Establish and maintain relationships with ocean carriers, agents, brokers, forwarders, truck lines, cargo interests, stevedores, and labor.
Support growth of Port Houston container terminal thru technology implementation and project execution.
Evaluate processes and technologies for operational improvements to adjust to a rapidly changing industry.
Manage the coordination between Operations and Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability for terminal operations
Provide staffing, training and supervision of all work performed by the Port Houston Container Operations staff including a large group of ILA workers
Supervise, measure, and coordinate adjustments to maintain productive performance of terminal operations including gate, road, vessel, and yard
Prepare and monitor annual operating budget for the department; analyze and report variances in revenue and expense on a monthly and quarterly basis; provide information on developing trends.
Maintain the capital investment budget for container facilities; review and provide financial justification for all purchases of capital items for terminals.
Lead Customer Service and Gate Operations, and support administration of rail operations and business development.
Assist Director Container Operations as container operations liaison for all Port Houston divisions providing visibility into terminal operations for new and existing customers, government officials, public involvement, safety, security, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, channel improvements and all other stakeholders.
Provide detailed support and analysis of monthly financials; develop tools to measure terminal productivity to ensure Port Houston maximizes cash flows from the container terminals.
Establish and preserve appropriate relationships with customers, facility users and labor, and requires staff to do the same
Assist the Director Container Operations to establish and maintain up to date ILA labor work rules that ensure a competitive and efficient operation
Lead effort in promotion and achievement of safe work environment for all employees at the facilities
Maintain relationship with WGMA for payroll processing and ILA safety and training
Manage the rates, rules, and requirements as set out in Tariffs 14 and 15, and recommend proactive changes based upon market conditions
Assist Director Container Operations as container operations liaison for all Port Houston divisions providing visibility into terminal operations for new and existing customers, government officials, public involvement, safety, security, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, channel improvements and all other stakeholders
Promote the organizations safety culture and perform quarterly safety audits
Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
Perform other duties as required