Operations Manager I presso Nautilus International

Position Summary

The Operations Manager II oversees vessel and terminal operations to ensure efficient cargo handling, labor coordination, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This role plays a critical part in optimizing port operations, leading union personnel, and maintaining high standards of performance and safety across all shifts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads vessel operations planning and execution, coordinating with terminal managers, vessel agents, and union personnel to ensure timely and safe cargo handling.
• Develops and communicate daily work schedules for incoming vessels, aligning labor and equipment needs with operational goals.
• Forecasts manpower requirements and allocate labor resources effectively across shifts, ensuring optimal gang utilization.
• Supervises union personnel and operational staff, including scheduling, performance management, conflict resolution, and timecard verification.
• Approves overtime and makes personnel adjustments to maintain productivity and resolve performance issues.
• Conducts physical inspections of vessels, gear, and equipment to ensure compliance with safety standards and operational readiness.
• Ensures a safe workplace by actively monitoring and enforcing safety protocols for longshore personnel and Metropolitan Stevedore Company employees.
• Implements and upholds the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP), taking appropriate measures to prevent injuries and minimize damage to property and equipment.
• Monitors loading and discharging activities, ensuring adherence to stowage plans and safety protocols.
• Communicates with ship captains and chief officers to relay operational updates and resolves issues related to de-ballasting and load plans.
• Reviews and signs off on safety checklists and gear certifications, ensuring documentation accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Submits daily equipment usage reports and verifies operational data for accuracy.
• Participates in peer review procedures and attends operational meetings to support continuous improvement.
• Serves as backup for Dispatcher and cross-train across Superintendent roles to ensure operational flexibility.
• Performance Goal: Achieve 95% on-time vessel turnaround through proactive labor planning, equipment coordination, and operational oversight.
• Travels to outlying ports as needed to support regional operations.
• Adapts to changing schedules and operational demands.
• Required to work weekends, holidays, and maintain 24-hour on-call availability for emergency response and operational continuity.
• Other duties as assigned by Director of Operations I.

Qualifications  

Required:

• Education: High School diploma.
• Experience: 2–5 years of progressively responsible experience in maritime or port operations.
• Licenses: Valid driver’s license; valid TWIC card or ability to obtain and maintain.
• Knowledge:
  • Understanding of longshore union policies and contracts.
  • Familiarity with harbor and port procedures.
  • Knowledge of safety regulations and operational compliance.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Strong supervisory and human resource management skills.
  • Effective communication and conflict resolution abilities.

Preferred:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Additional Experiences: Prior Superintendent experience.
• Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with maritime industry standards and government regulations.
  • Awareness of anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation laws (training provided).
• Skills:
  • Ability to manage cross-functional teams.
  • Public speaking and stakeholder engagement.

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 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 to meet accountabilities.

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, 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.

If you require reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform the essential functions of a role, please contact [email protected].