Expected Salary: $105,400 - $131,700 per year.
About us
Nautilus International Holding Corporation provides business administration and management services to its subsidiary marine transportation companies that have been serving the maritime community for over a century. Our mission is to consistently deliver safe, efficient, innovative and environmentally responsible maritime operational solutions for our customers.
Position Summary
The Senior Operations Manager provides overall operational leadership and direction for vessel and rail stevedoring operations at the Grays Harbor terminal(s). Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this role leads a team of Operations Managers and supervisors, directs union labor, and is accountable for the safe, efficient, cost-effective, and compliant execution of cargo-handling operations across all shifts. The Senior Operations Manager owns the site operating plan and budget and serves as the senior point of contact for Metro Ports, customers, PMA, Local ILWU leadership, and external stakeholders.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides overall operational leadership and direction for vessel and rail stevedoring operations across the terminal(s) and all shifts, establishing site-wide priorities, procedures, practices, and performance standards.
- Directs, develops, and holds accountable a team of Operations Managers and supervisors (OM I/II/III), including work assignments, performance management, coaching, and succession planning.
- Directs and oversees cargo-handling operations, including labor allocations, manpower assignments, and hiring needs for vessel and rail operations.
- Exercises independent judgment and discretion on complex operational, labor, and safety matters, escalating to the Vice President of Operations only where appropriate.
- Owns the site operating plan and budget, managing labor and operating costs and driving performance against productivity, service, and cost targets.
- Coordinates vessel and rail operations to ensure timely, cost-effective loading and unloading without compromising service quality or customer requirements.
- Serves as the senior company point of contact for Metro Ports, customers, agents, rail companies, PMA, Local ILWU leadership, and pilots’ associations on escalated and strategic matters.
- Leads site labor relations, including higher-level grievance resolution and the interpretation and application of applicable labor agreements (PCLCD and PCMSC), and remains aware of labor relations issues to effectively manage organized labor.
- Monitors, reviews, and approves operational documentation, including vessel, rail, and payroll records, ensuring accuracy and completion by the end of each shift.
- Ensures strict compliance with customer cargo handling and cleaning procedures, including requirements related to cargo changes, cargo types, and destinations.
- Promotes safety awareness and ensures compliance with environmental, safety, and health policies, overseeing corrective action and completion of injury and incident reports as required.
- Establishes and implements operating priorities, procedures, practices, and goals to meet organizational objectives, continuously evaluating operations for improvement.
- Partners with Metro Ports and internal leadership on operational planning, new business, and terminal start-up and expansion activities.
- Delivers and enforces regulatory compliance training, including PMA, PCLCD, PCMSC, OSHA, port working rules, stowage, hazardous materials, and proper manning requirements.
- Performs and oversees daily and monthly operational and safety compliance inspections to ensure ongoing adherence to standards.
- Oversees maintenance repair coordination and equipment readiness as needed to support operational readiness.
- Mentors and develops OM-level staff, building bench strength within the operation.
- Participates in industry functions and attends meetings as required.
- Maintains awareness of site security requirements and ensures terminal security procedures are followed.
- Must be able to work day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications
Required:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience: 7+ years of progressively responsible operations experience, including prior leadership at the Operations Manager or Terminal Superintendent level.
- Licenses:
- Valid driver’s license.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Knowledge:
- Thorough understanding of operating procedures for terminal equipment, including mobile and fixed equipment, ship loaders, ship’s gear cranes, locomotives, rail switching, and bulk cargo operations.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
Skills:
- Ability to direct and supervise union labor effectively.
- Independent judgment and discretion in operational decision-making.
- Strong planning and organizational skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to resolve problems, manage conflict, and handle grievances professionally.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage a team of operations managers and supervisors.
- Experience owning an operating budget and managing labor and operating costs.
Preferred:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Logistics, or a related field.
- Knowledge:
- Familiarity with PMA processes and reporting requirements.
- Understanding of hazardous materials handling and stowage practices.
- Skills: Ability to adapt to changing operational priorities in a fast-paced terminal environment.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Physical Demands: The physical demands described here represent those that are typically required to perform the essential functions of this position. This role requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds. It may involve regular exposure to outdoor environments and active work sites. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the task. Some positions may require travel between job sites.
- Work Environment: Work may be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including active job sites with varying weather conditions and potential exposure to noise, dust, and other occupational hazards. Safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided and required as appropriate.
Benefits
- Paid vacation and holiday pay.
- Health, dental and vision (employee contribution required).
- 401(k) with company matching contribution.
- Bonus eligible.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Pet insurance (employee contribution required).
Why Join Us
At Nautilus, our people are our most valuable asset. We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where team members feel valued, supported and empowered to grow with us. Whether you are starting your career or looking for the next step, we are committed to investing in your development, offering clear pathways for advancement, ongoing training and leadership development.
With operating areas across CA, FL, IN, NC, NJ, SC, TX and WA, we continue to impact diverse communities and industries. Nautilus International Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
If you require reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform the essential functions of a role, please contact [email protected].
This job description is not intended to be an employment contract or guarantee of employment. Employment with Nautilus International Holding Corporation is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This job description may be modified at any time at the sole discretion of the company.
Pay: $105,400.00 - $131,700.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
