We are seeking an experienced Alternate Port Operations Manager to support the management and oversight of a major military cargo port operation serving the Department of War (DOW) transportation and logistics requirements. This position serves as the designated deputy to the Port Operations Manager and is responsible for assisting in the coordination, supervision, and execution of all port and terminal operations while ensuring continuity of operations during the Port Operations Manager's absence.
The Alternate Port Operations Manager plays a key leadership role in maintaining safe, secure, efficient, and compliant cargo operations involving military equipment, containers, vehicles, breakbulk cargo, hazardous materials, and other mission-critical assets. The successful candidate will possess strong operational management experience, leadership skills, and a thorough understanding of military and commercial port operations.
Position Summary
The Alternate Port Operations Manager assists in directing daily port activities and serves as the acting Port Operations Manager when designated. This position works closely with operational supervisors, government representatives, vessel operators, transportation providers, and military stakeholders to ensure cargo operations are executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with contractual requirements.
The Alternate Port Operations Manager provides operational leadership across all functional areas of the port and is expected to maintain situational awareness of ongoing operations while supporting workforce management, safety initiatives, customer service, performance monitoring, and operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Support and Oversight
- Assist the Port Operations Manager in overseeing daily cargo port and terminal operations.
- Support the planning, coordination, and execution of vessel operations, cargo handling activities, and terminal movements.
- Monitor operational performance and ensure compliance with established procedures and performance standards.
- Assist in resolving operational challenges, delays, and resource conflicts.
- Ensure continuity of operations during periods of increased workload, surge activities, and contingency operations.
Acting Port Operations Manager
- Serve as the designated alternate and assume management responsibility in the absence of the Port Operations Manager.
- Exercise authority over port operations, workforce supervision, operational decision-making, and customer coordination when acting in the manager's role.
- Ensure uninterrupted execution of mission-critical port activities during leadership transitions or absences.
Workforce Leadership
- Assist in supervising port supervisors, dispatch personnel, equipment operators, cargo handlers, and administrative staff.
- Support workforce scheduling, staffing assignments, and labor coordination efforts.
- Participate in employee training, performance evaluations, and professional development initiatives.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, safety, and operational excellence.
Cargo and Vessel Operations
- Coordinate cargo movement activities involving containers, rolling stock, military vehicles, breakbulk cargo, and oversized equipment.
- Assist with berth planning, vessel scheduling, cargo staging, and terminal operations.
- Monitor cargo throughput and operational productivity.
- Ensure proper handling, documentation, and accountability of cargo movements.
Safety and Compliance
- Support implementation and enforcement of safety policies and procedures.
- Conduct operational inspections and assist with safety audits.
- Participate in accident investigations and corrective action planning.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, maritime industry standards, environmental regulations, and military requirements.
Security and Emergency Response
- Assist with maritime security and force protection requirements.
- Support emergency response planning and incident management activities.
- Ensure personnel comply with installation access requirements and security procedures.
- Participate in contingency planning, exercises, and operational readiness activities.
Stakeholder Coordination
- Maintain effective working relationships with military personnel, government agencies, vessel operators, transportation providers, and customers.
- Assist in preparing operational reports, briefings, and performance updates.
- Support customer service initiatives and operational coordination efforts.
- Facilitate communication between operational teams and leadership.
Resource Management
- Monitor utilization of equipment, facilities, and operational resources.
- Coordinate equipment maintenance activities and report readiness concerns.
- Assist in identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Support inventory accountability and asset management activities.
Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed based on operational requirements, mission priorities, and organizational objectives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Maritime Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant experience may be substituted for education.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in cargo port operations, terminal management, maritime transportation, logistics, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or management experience within a port, terminal, transportation, or logistics environment.
- Demonstrated experience supporting vessel operations, cargo handling activities, and workforce supervision.
- Knowledge of maritime operations, cargo handling procedures, and terminal operations.
- Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required government security credentials and installation access.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting military cargo operations at major military seaports or strategic transportation facilities.
- Familiarity with Department of War (DOW) transportation systems and logistics operations.
- Knowledge of U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS) operations and military cargo requirements.
- Knowledge of military cargo movement requirements and deployment operations.
- Experience handling hazardous cargo, ammunition, or sensitive shipments.
- Experience working in a unionized labor environment.
- Professional certifications related to maritime operations, logistics, transportation, or project management.
Work Environment
- Active maritime terminals, cargo yards, warehouses, and port facilities.
- Combination of office and field operations.
- Frequent interaction with military personnel, government representatives, labor organizations, and transportation providers.
- May require work during evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency operational periods.
- Ability to support 24/7 port operations and surge mission requirements.
Compensation
- Salary range is $60,000 and $85,000 based on experience.
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Additional Information
The Alternate Port Operations Manager is a key member of the port leadership team and plays an essential role in ensuring the successful execution of military cargo operations. This position provides critical operational support to the Port Operations Manager while maintaining the capability to assume full management responsibility when required. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, operational expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to supporting mission success.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
