Operations Labor Manager

SSA Marine•Long Beach, CA

21d•$85,000 - $110,000

About The Position

The Operations Labor Manager directs and coordinates assigned operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective use of union labor, equipment, and operational resources. The position exercises independent judgment and management authority over labor personnel and operational staff in accordance with company policies, operational requirements, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. The manager represents company management and is accountable for safety, security, productivity, labor relations, and operational execution. The role manages the hiring, assignment, direction, evaluation, discipline, and termination of assigned labor personnel; directs foremen, supervisory clerks, and other operational staff; and administers collective bargaining agreements in daily operations. It investigates workplace incidents, safety violations, and labor complaints, and prepares reports and recommendations. The manager plans workforce composition and equipment needs, deploys labor and equipment throughout the shift, monitors productivity, and takes corrective action when needed. The role also verifies operational documentation and equipment readiness, enforces safety and regulatory requirements, coordinates daily safety meetings, and ensures required PPE is worn. During operations, the manager serves as the primary coordination point among vessel personnel, customers, agents, terminal staff, and labor. The role supports terminal operating systems, ensures operational data accuracy, submits required production, payroll, safety, and damage reports, and performs additional supervisory and operational duties as required. The position requires rotating shifts across days, evenings, and nights at multiple terminals, potentially with short-notice scheduling. Work may involve extreme hot or cold outdoor temperatures, dusty conditions, and occasional high noise levels, as well as exposure to hazards involving fast-moving equipment. Driving is required for 20% of the work.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience managing related union labor.
At least 5 years of experience in terminal operations, cargo stowage and stability, and local union dispatching rules.
Equivalent experience working in an Operations Management or related field is required if a college degree is not held.
Demonstrated leadership experience.
Familiarity with computerized terminal operating systems.
Knowledge of applicable safety and accident-prevention codes and regulations.
Valid driver's license.
Must possess, or be able to obtain and maintain, a valid TWIC card.
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 day, evening, and night shifts at multiple terminals, potentially on short notice.
Ability to work in extreme outdoor temperatures, dusty conditions, and occasionally high noise levels, and in an environment with hazards involving fast-moving equipment.
Ability to drive as required; driving is 20% of the work.

Nice To Haves

A college degree.

Responsibilities

Exercise 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 according to 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 shifts, 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 are ready and compliant before operations begin.
Enforce company policy, terminal operating procedures, regulatory requirements, and safe work practices, and remain accountable for the safety of assigned personnel.
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; report incidents according to company and regulatory protocols.
Verify that all personnel on the operation wear required PPE.
Ensure a respectful, discrimination-free work environment and promptly address workplace concerns or misconduct.
Coordinate 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.