Hybrid Cruise Terminal Manager (Operations Manager) presso City of Norfolk, VA

About the Department

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself.  Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

Cruise Norfolk, our 80,000 square foot terminal, is excited to welcome visitors to The Mermaid City.  We are seeking an experienced and highly strategic professional to lead all terminal operations at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center. The Terminal Manager oversees the year-round planning, coordination, and execution of cruise ship activity while managing critical stakeholder relationships and vendor contracts. This role is ideal for a seasoned leader with a strong background in operational logistics, maritime regulations, and financial oversight.

This is not a frontline operation or cruise-day coordinator role — it is a high-level management position responsible for developing strategy, budgeting, planning, compliance, and facility performance.

Position Duties

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

Terminal Operations & Strategic Oversight

• Lead the full lifecycle of terminal operations, from pre-season planning to day-of execution and post-call debriefs
• Manage operational plans for all cruise calls, including logistics for passenger flow, porters, transportation, and terminal readiness
• Review and approve all cruise-related invoices and associated operational expenses
• Lead capital improvement and/or expansion projects for the Half Moone Cruise Center (including budgeting, contractor coordination, management and execution)
• Ensure all critical infrastructure, machinery and equipment meet operational standards and are maintained properly
• Direct multi-vendor coordination and enforce performance standards across contracted services (security, custodial, baggage handling, etc.)

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget for Cruise Norfolk terminal operations
• Review and approve vendor invoices, service agreements, and cruise day expenses
• Track performance metrics and identify opportunities for cost savings, improved service delivery, and operational efficiencies
• Oversee the financial and operational aspects of all cruise-related capital improvement efforts

Cross-Campus & City Coordination

• Serve as the key liaison with the Nauticus Operations Manager to ensure integrated planning for campus-wide safety, guest flow, and public access
• Partner with city departments, local law enforcement, and emergency services to maintain a coordinated and secure terminal environment
• Align port operations with overlapping campus events and public-facing programs

Regulatory Compliance & Facility Security

• Act as or support the Facility Security Officer (FSO) and ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and the Facility Security Plan
• Maintain active relationships with CBP, USCG, and other port regulatory agencies
• Lead regular terminal inspections and manage all reporting and documentation related to compliance

Stakeholder & Industry Relations

• Represent Cruise Norfolk in planning meetings, ship visits, and regional working groups (e.g., AAPA, port coalitions)
• Maintain strong relationships with cruise lines, port agents, government agencies, and tourism partners
• Support strategic planning for long-term terminal growth, facility upgrades, and guest experience enhancements

Minimum Qualifications

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business (Administration), Maritime Operations, Logistics, Public Administration, or related field required.

Minimum 5–8 years of progressively responsible experience in terminal management, port logistics, maritime operations, or a closely related industry

Financial acumen: Understanding and demonstrated proficiency in budgeting, cost analysis, and financial reporting is required

Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with suppliers, stakeholders, and team members

Leadership skills: Ability to lead and motivate a team

Strong negotiation skills: Able to negotiate effectively with suppliers, vendors and contractors to secure the best possible deals

Analytical skills: Able to analyze data using excel, and pivot tables, identify trends, and make informed decisions

Experience in procurement or supply chain management

Strong understanding of U.S. port regulations and experience working directly with USCG, CBP, and TSA.

TWIC card required (or ability to obtain); FSO certification preferred.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent Cruise Norfolk to high-level external stakeholders

Must be able to work early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours in alignment with the cruise schedule

Other Qualifications

Work Location: One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position with hours dependent on cruise schedule needs

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