Operations Manager – Marine & Port Operations
Job Summary
Full-time, on-site position based in Houston, TX. This role oversees daily vessel and port operations throughout North and Central America, leading the operations team and coordinating closely with vessel masters, shipowners, terminals, stevedores, port agents, and service providers to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective vessel calls. The ideal candidate brings strong maritime leadership experience, sound operational judgment, and the ability to manage complex port activities while maintaining strong commercial relationships.
Responsibilities
- Plan, monitor, and coordinate vessel schedules, port calls, and related operational activities
- Appoint terminals, stevedores, and subagents for individual port calls, providing clear operating instructions
- Provide voyage and port operation instructions to vessel masters
- Coordinate with shipowners’ operations and commercial teams to address operational requirements and resolve issues
- Review port conditions and prepare estimated or budgetary pro forma disbursement accounts (PDAs)
- Read, develop, and implement vessel stowage plans
- Travel to vessels and ports as required
- Provide boarding agent coverage during agent absences when necessary
- Prepare PDAs and review, approve, or dispute vendor invoices in coordination with the Accounting Manager
- Negotiate stevedoring rates and other port service charges as needed
- Maintain strong relationships with terminals, stevedores, towing companies, line handlers, and other service providers
- Secure competitive rates, rebates, and favorable service terms
- Maintain an updated annual vendor directory (account access info, contact details, brief performance evaluations)
- Lead daily activities of the operations team and oversee key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Evaluate team performance, identify training needs, and support employee development
- Review and approve team members’ paid time off while maintaining adequate operational coverage
- Identify and implement improvements to operational processes, service quality, and cost efficiency
- Prepare annual operational summary reports
- Maintain complete voyage files, including operational records and event timelines to support damage investigations or claims
- Represent the company at trade shows and industry events at the President’s request
- Complete additional operational assignments as directed by the President
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of management experience and 10 years of experience in marine shipping, terminal/port operations, or shipboard operations
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Ability to read, develop, and implement vessel stowage plans
- Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to coordinate multiple vessel calls, manage competing priorities, and make timely operational decisions
- Collaborative, customer-focused approach and commitment to continuous improvement
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Good driving record
- U.S. citizenship required
- Ability to travel to vessels and ports as needed
- Ability to board vessels and safely climb ladders and gangways
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds