Port Operations Manager

TEL Staffing & HR•Mobile, AL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Port Operations Manager is responsible for the full operational oversight of labor services within assigned port locations, with a heightened focus on maritime risk exposure, USL&H (United States Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act) compliance, and safety execution. This role ensures that all labor operations, particularly those conducted on or near navigable waters, docks, shipyards, and marine terminals, are performed in strict adherence to applicable federal maritime regulations, client safety requirements, and insurance underwriting expectations. The Port Operations Manager serves as the on-site authority for workforce deployment, safety enforcement, and client service delivery, while actively mitigating operational and liability risk.

Requirements

Minimum of 4–7 years of experience in operations management, staffing, logistics, or maritime/port operations
Strong financial acumen, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to lead and inspire a team.
Prior experience managing workforce deployment in a high-volume, fast-paced environment strongly preferred
Strong understanding of port operations, labor coordination, and maritime industry practices
Strong working knowledge of USL&H coverage requirements, including situs/status analysis
Familiarity with OSHA maritime standards and port safety protocols
Proven ability to manage high-risk operations and mitigate liability exposure
Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills in dynamic environments
Ability to operate with urgency, precision, and accountability
Demonstrated leadership ability with experience managing teams and driving performance
Excellent client service and relationship management skills
Proficiency in workforce scheduling, dispatch operations, and problem-solving in real-time environments
Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail
Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as operationally required
Must demonstrate the company Mission Statement in all job functions and day to day activities by providing an exceptional customer experience
Must possess a high level of integrity and strives to always do the right thing
Must demonstrate loyalty to the company, our clients, and our co-workers
Must provide high quality services and strive for excellence in all we do
Must demonstrate a high level of care and go above and beyond to ensure an exceptional customer experience
Must be teamwork driven and can work well with others toward a common vision
Must demonstrate good attendance and appropriate general hygiene and dress
Excellent computer skills required
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent
Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but involved written or oral instructions
Must be a U.S. citizen that can obtain and maintain an active Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and an escort badge rating with the Ports Authority.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage daily labor operations across assigned port facilities, including docks, terminals, and shipyard environments
Ensure all job orders are filled with properly qualified personnel, aligned with client scope of work and maritime risk classifications
Monitor workforce levels and proactively adjust staffing strategies to meet fluctuating operational demands
Oversee workforce deployment in high-risk environments, including vessel loading/unloading, cargo handling, and waterfront operations
Maintain real-time operational awareness of labor assignments in areas subject to USL&H coverage triggers
Ensure strict compliance with the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, including proper classification of employees engaged in maritime employment
Identify and manage roles that meet situs and status tests for USL&H applicability (e.g., work performed on or adjacent to navigable waters)
Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of maritime payroll for USL&H and MGL (Maritime General Liability) purposes
Partner with insurance carriers and brokers (e.g., underwriters such as American Equity Underwriters) to support audits, site visits, and exposure reporting
Mitigate risk of misclassification between state workers’ compensation and USL&H coverage
Enforce compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, with emphasis on maritime-specific regulations (29 CFR Parts 1915, 1917, and 1918)
Implement and monitor port-specific safety programs, including: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compliance, Confined space entry protocols, Fall protection and dock safety, Hazard communication and cargo handling procedures
Conduct routine job site safety audits and behavioral observations
Lead incident response, injury reporting, and root cause investigations
Coordinate return-to-work and light duty programs in conjunction with HR and insurance partners
Serve as the primary operational and safety liaison for all port clients
Ensure service delivery meets both operational expectations and safety performance standards
Collaborate with clients on safety initiatives, pre-job hazard assessments, and compliance alignment
Address service or safety concerns with urgency and professionalism
Ensure all employees are properly trained, credentialed, and cleared for maritime work environments
Reinforce a culture of safety-first accountability and operational discipline
Conduct performance management, coaching, and corrective action as necessary
Ensure all assigned personnel meet required qualifications, including: TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential), where applicable; Safety certifications (OSHA 10/30, confined space, rigging, etc.); Client-specific onboarding and safety orientation requirements
Maintain documentation for audit readiness, including training logs, certifications, and incident records
Maintain accurate reporting of: Maritime vs. non-maritime labor hours; USL&H exposure classifications; Incident and near-miss data
Support internal and external audits, including insurance, client, and regulatory reviews
Utilize HRIS/workforce systems to track compliance, payroll allocation, and reporting
Serve as the on-site point of contact for port clients, ensuring exceptional service delivery
Build and maintain strong client relationships through consistent communication and responsiveness
Address and resolve client concerns promptly, escalating issues as appropriate
Conduct regular client check-ins to ensure service satisfaction and identify growth opportunities
Provide direct supervision and training to port office staff, including coordinators, dispatchers, and administrative personnel
Establish performance expectations and accountability standards for all team members
Conduct coaching, training, and performance evaluations
Foster a culture of professionalism, responsiveness, and operational excellence
Oversee recruitment coordination, onboarding, and deployment of labor personnel
Ensure proper documentation, credentialing, and compliance for all assigned workers
Partner with HR and compliance teams to address employee relations matters, including discipline and investigations
Monitor attendance, timekeeping accuracy, and workforce reliability
Ensure adherence to all applicable federal, state, and maritime labor regulations, including wage and hour compliance
Maintain compliance with port authority rules, safety standards, and client-specific requirements
Enforce workplace safety protocols and promote a culture of safety within all operations
Assist in incident reporting, investigations, and corrective action implementation
Maintain accurate records of job orders, staffing levels, and operational metrics
Monitor and manage operational expenses within budget parameters
Complete requisitions for approval of office expenses.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand the client base and increase market share.
Attend networking events, meetings, lunches, roundtables, etc.