Operations Manager

TraPac•Wilmington, CA

About The Position

The Operations Manager manages and supervises employees and all phases of terminal operations, including cost-efficient use of labor and stevedore equipment, labor supervision, and preparation and distribution of accurate operations reports. The role is accountable for employee performance and oversees hiring, work assignments, scheduling, payroll records, performance assessments, discipline, and grievance handling in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements. The manager allocates steady and supplemental labor, applies labor and union rules, and directs terminal, vessel, yard, gate, and—if applicable—on-dock rail operations. Responsibilities include maintaining safety and regulatory compliance, coordinating equipment availability and vessel schedules, monitoring operational productivity, communicating with vessel agents, and preparing shift-based and vessel productivity reports for senior management.

Requirements

BS/BA degree in Marine Administration, Transportation, Operations Management, Engineering, or equivalent work experience in management.
2–5 years managing related union labor.
Thorough knowledge of terminal operations, including vessel stevedoring procedures, container handling, conventional and automated break bulk, cargo and container securing, and rail operations.
Experience with computerized operating systems.
Knowledge of safety and accident-prevention codes and regulations.
Knowledge of labor contracts and local port rules sufficient to ensure vessel operations comply and to handle labor disputes.
Valid, unrestricted driver's license and acceptable driving record.
TWIC card required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and understanding of cargo stowage and stability is strongly desired.

Responsibilities

Supervise hourly-paid employees through longshore foremen, supercargoes, chief supervisors, and direct supervision of planners; remain accountable for their performance.
Interview candidates and make final hiring decisions for steady positions, longshore labor, and department staff.
Determine manning requirements, assign employees to shifts, authorize extra pay and overtime, and ensure assignments are completed properly and safely.
Make scheduling and work-interruption decisions, determine labor and equipment needs, and extend shifts when necessary to meet vessel sailing times.
Maintain accurate payroll records and review and sign original timesheets before processing.
Conduct periodic performance assessments.
Investigate alleged misconduct and poor performance, apply discipline in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, prepare accurate employer complaints when warranted, and represent the Company at LRC meetings.
Take corrective action when work is not performed properly or safely and use applicable labor agreements and grievance procedures.
Investigate and promptly adjust grievances, coordinating with the responsible manager when an issue involves another part of the operation.
Allocate steady and supplemental labor to provide appropriate operational coverage; apply labor allocation, dispatching, crane operator manning, and skilled-worker rules.
Ensure compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods code and Code of Federal Regulations for hazardous cargo.
Instruct frontline supervisors on maintaining a safe workplace and provide safety talks on safe work methods and proper personal protective equipment.
Prepare and update shift-by-shift productivity reports for the assigned department, including manpower, and reconcile them against dispatch logs.
Coordinate with Maintenance and Repair to ensure equipment availability and execution of triage plans.
Coordinate vessel schedules, pro-forma integrity, gang structure, dispatch oversight, steady scheduling, and LRCs.
Monitor vessel operations and make adjustments as necessary; communicate with vessel agents about all aspects of operations.
Prepare shift-by-shift vessel productivity reports, reconcile them against supercargo shift reports, detail totals against inbound and outbound cargo manifests, and submit reports to senior management.
Direct, supervise, and analyze gate and yard preplanning and physical operations to meet customer service requirements.
If applicable, manage and supervise on-dock rail activities to support safety, production, and coordination with rail carriers and customers.