Operations Labor Manager

SSA Marine•Charleston, SC

20d•$71,177 - $78,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Labor Manager directs and coordinates assigned operations to ensure safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective use of union labor, equipment, and operational resources. The role exercises independent judgment and management authority over labor personnel and operational staff under company policies, operational requirements, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. As a representative of company management, the manager is accountable for safety, security, productivity, labor relations, and operational execution. The position manages workforce assignments and labor relations, plans and adjusts labor and equipment deployment, monitors productivity, and verifies operational documentation and equipment readiness. It enforces safety and regulatory requirements, coordinates daily safety meetings, addresses hazards and workplace concerns, and serves as the primary coordination point among vessel personnel, customers, agents, terminal staff, and labor. The manager also supports terminal operating systems, ensures operational data accuracy, and submits required production, payroll, safety, and damage reports. This role supervises assigned union labor personnel, including foremen and supervisory clerks. It requires work at multiple terminals on rotating shifts, including days, evenings, and nights, with schedules potentially provided on short notice. The work may involve extreme hot or cold outdoor temperatures, heavy dust, occasional high noise, and exposure to hazards associated with fast-moving equipment. The position requires driving 20%.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; equivalent management experience may be considered.
Valid CPR certification, driver's license, and TWIC card.
Working knowledge of terminal operations, cargo stowage and stability, and local union dispatching rules.
Demonstrated leadership experience.
Knowledge of applicable safety and accident-prevention codes and regulations.
Ability to direct a large, diverse workforce in a fast-paced operational environment.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills under time pressure.
Ability to plan and organize work across varied hours, shifts, and days.
Effective communication with union workforce, management, and external stakeholders.
Ability to work rotating shifts, including days, evenings, and nights, at multiple terminals, with schedules potentially provided on short notice.
Ability to work in extreme outdoor temperatures, dusty conditions, and occasional high noise, and in an environment that may be hazardous to people unable to see and hear fast-moving equipment.
Ability to drive 20%.

Nice To Haves

Preferably 3 years managing union labor in a comparable environment.
Familiarity with computerized terminal operating systems.

Responsibilities

Exercise independent management authority over the hiring, assignment, direction, evaluation, discipline, and termination of assigned labor personnel in accordance with company policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Direct and assign foremen, supervisory clerks, and other operational personnel based on operational requirements and workforce availability.
Interpret, administer, and enforce applicable collective bargaining agreements in day-to-day operations.
Investigate workplace incidents, safety violations, and labor complaints; prepare reports and recommendations; and escalate matters to senior management as appropriate.
Determine workforce composition and equipment needs to execute operational plans safely, efficiently, and within budget.
Manage labor and equipment deployment throughout the shift, adjusting assignments as conditions change to meet performance and operational commitments.
Monitor productivity against established standards, identify performance gaps, and implement corrective action.
Review operational documentation and verify equipment and gear readiness and compliance before operations begin.
Ensure the safety of assigned personnel and enforce company policies, terminal operating procedures, regulatory requirements, and safe work practices.
Plan, conduct, and document daily safety meetings in coordination with Health, Safety & Environment personnel, and address identified hazards.
Ensure compliance with HAZMAT, OSHA, and other applicable regulatory requirements, and report incidents according to company and regulatory protocols.
Verify that required PPE is worn by all personnel on the operation.
Promote a respectful, discrimination-free work environment and promptly address workplace concerns or misconduct.
Serve as the primary coordination point during operations among vessel personnel, customers, agents, terminal staff, and labor.
Support and troubleshoot terminal operating systems and ensure operational data accuracy.
Complete and submit shift production, payroll, safety, and damage reports within established deadlines.
Perform additional supervisory and operational duties as required.