Director of Operations II bei Metropolitan Stevedore Company

Position Summary

The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and comprehensive operational oversight for Portland Bulk Terminal (PBT), a specialized potash export facility wholly owned by Canpotex and operated by Metropolitan Stevedore Company. Located on the Columbia River system, PBT serves as a strategic bulk-handling terminal dedicated to the efficient processing and export of specialty potash products.

The Director leads a diverse operational team including Operations Managers, union workers, and subcontracted services, ensuring that all operational execution aligns with Canpotex's strategic objectives, customer service level agreements (SLAs), and regulatory requirements. This position serves as the primary operational liaison with Canpotex, regulatory agencies, and union leadership, driving operational excellence that supports the terminal's specialized potash handling mission and business objectives.

This senior leadership role encompasses all terminal functions including stevedoring operations, health, safety & environmental programs, administrative services, and maintenance & repair activities. The Director is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations across all vessel and rail activities while maintaining excellence in labor management, environmental stewardship, and customer service delivery. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Management

• Direct comprehensive terminal operations by leading a team of Operations Managers, ILWU clerks, and foremen to ensure safe, efficient handling of bulk cargo operations at Portland Bulk Terminal
• Oversee development and execution of integrated operational plans including vessel berthing schedules, rail coordination, labor deployment, cargo sequencing, and maintenance scheduling to optimize terminal throughput and customer service
• Coordinate multi-stakeholder operations with labor unions, vessel crews, rail operators, customers, port authorities, government agencies, and internal teams to ensure seamless cargo handling and proactive issue resolution
• Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to implement operational system improvements, technology upgrades, and efficiency enhancements while actively challenging on-site contractors to optimize schedules, reduce costs, and maintain rigorous safety compliance—ensuring proactive terminal leadership

Asset Management & Maintenance Oversight

• Manage comprehensive maintenance operations by supervising Metro Ports personnel, union maintenance crews, and subcontracted services to ensure optimal equipment reliability and asset performance
• Oversee strategic procurement and inventory management of critical spare parts, maintenance supplies, and equipment to minimize downtime and support continuous operations
• Ensure maintenance excellence through adherence to standard operating procedures, timely work order documentation, and quality assurance protocols for all maintenance activities
• Conduct daily operational assessments including conveyance system inspections to verify equipment readiness, safety compliance, and operational capability

Team Development & Human Resources Management

• Lead talent management initiatives by hiring, training, coaching, and evaluating direct reports and contractor personnel to build high-performing operational teams
• Manage workforce planning and scheduling including attendance monitoring, overtime authorization, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions in coordination with HR
• Ensure full compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements while actively participating in ILWU-PMA labor relations meetings, contract negotiations, and grievance resolution processes to maintain positive labor relations and operational continuity
• Create a development-focused work environment with clear performance expectations, career advancement opportunities, and accountability standards

Safety, Compliance & Environmental Stewardship

• Drive safety excellence from the top by setting the safety tone across the entire site, rigorously enforcing OSHA, PMA, PCLCD, and PCMSC standards, and cultivating a zero-incident operational culture that resonates throughout all levels of the organization
• Ensure regulatory compliance by maintaining comprehensive documentation for EHS requirements and adhering to all port authority and federal reporting obligations
• Lead regulatory preparedness by coordinating inspection readiness activities and serving as primary liaison with regulatory agencies and compliance auditors

Financial Management & Business Development

• Own operational budgets and procurement by taking full accountability for financial protocols, driving cost optimization initiatives, and ensuring transparent, proactive communication of operational plans to stakeholders
• Drive business process improvement by analyzing financial and operational data, documenting enhanced procedures, and implementing efficiency initiatives that support strategic objectives
• Collaborate on strategic planning with consultants, vendors, and senior leadership on forecasting, budgeting, and long-term terminal development initiatives

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to other terminal operations for complex engineering or maintenance challenges
• Assist with accounts receivable collections and cost control initiatives as needed
• Maintain regular, predictable, and reliable attendance with flexibility to work weekends and holidays as operational demands require
• Perform other duties as assigned by senior management to support overall terminal objectives

Qualifications

Required

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Bachelor's degree, preferred

Experience:

• 7–10+ years of escalating leadership responsibility in terminal operations, with demonstrated success managing teams, operations, and performance outcomes

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid driver's license
• Ability to obtain or maintain TWIC card
• Must be at least 23 years of age to operate company or client motor vehicle

Knowledge & Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of terminal operations, labor management, and maintenance procedures
• Familiarity with OSHA, PMA, PCLCD, PCMSC, and environmental regulations
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems

Core Competencies:

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage union labor effectively
• Skilled in structuring tasks, setting priorities, and developing operational strategies
• Exercises sound judgment in high-pressure environments with contingency planning
• Proficient in optimizing workflows and implementing SOPs for continuous improvement
• Strong verbal and written communication across all organizational levels
• Comfortable navigating operational changes and shifting priorities

Preferred

Additional Experience:

• Experience in stevedoring, warehousing, or value-added logistics services
• Prior work with port authorities and regulatory agencies

Certifications:

• Safety or operations-related certifications (e.g., OSHA, EH&S)

Enhanced Skills:

• Familiarity with SLAs, budgeting, and strategic planning
• Public speaking, client engagement, and cross-functional leadership capabilities

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical Requirements: This role requires the ability to see, hear, speak, stand, walk, bend, and communicate clearly. Manual dexterity is needed for operating standard office equipment. The position may occasionally involve lifting items up to 10-50 pounds and may require travel to active work sites.

Work Environment: Work is typically performed in a clean, well-lit, and climate-controlled office environment with low to moderate noise levels. Occasional visits to field locations may be required, 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 & Compensation

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Paid vacation and holiday pay
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution required)
• 401(k) with company matching contribution
• Performance-based bonus eligibility
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet insurance available (employee contribution required)

Why Join Metropolitan Stevedore Company?

At Metropolitan Stevedore Company, 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 opportunities.

With operating areas across CA, FL, IN, NC, NJ, OR, SC, TX, and WA, we continue to impact diverse communities and industries. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility: If you require reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform the essential functions of a role, please contact .