Client Operations Manager Jobs in Mobile, AL (NOW HIRING)

****THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO U.S. CITIZENS THAT CAN OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL (TWIC) AND AN ESCORT BADGE RATING WITH THE PORTS AUTHORITY****
Reports To: Director of Staffing Pay Grade:
Department: Staffing Classification: Exempt
Position Summary
The Port Operations Manager is responsible for the full operational oversight of labor services within assigned port locations, with a heightened focus on maritime risk exposure, USL&H (United States Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act) compliance, and safety execution.
This role ensures that all labor operations, particularly those conducted on or near navigable waters, docks, shipyards, and marine terminals, are performed in strict adherence to applicable federal maritime regulations, client safety requirements, and insurance underwriting expectations. The Port Operations Manager serves as the on-site authority for workforce deployment, safety enforcement, and client service delivery, while actively mitigating operational and liability risk.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Direct and manage daily labor operations across assigned port facilities, including docks, terminals, and shipyard environments
• Ensure all job orders are filled with properly qualified personnel, aligned with client scope of work and maritime risk classifications
• Monitor workforce levels and proactively adjust staffing strategies to meet fluctuating operational demands
• Oversee workforce deployment in high-risk environments, including vessel loading/unloading, cargo handling, and waterfront operations
• Maintain real-time operational awareness of labor assignments in areas subject to USL&H coverage triggers
• Ensure strict compliance with the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, including proper classification of employees engaged in maritime employment
• Identify and manage roles that meet situs and status tests for USL&H applicability (e.g., work performed on or adjacent to navigable waters)
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of maritime payroll for USL&H and MGL (Maritime General Liability) purposes
• Partner with insurance carriers and brokers (e.g., underwriters such as American Equity Underwriters) to support audits, site visits, and exposure reporting
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of maritime payroll for USL&H and MGL (Maritime General Liability) purposes
• Mitigate risk of misclassification between state workers' compensation and USL&H coverage
• Enforce compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, with emphasis on maritime-specific regulations (29 CFR Parts 1915, 1917, and 1918)
• Implement and monitor port-specific safety programs, including:
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compliance
  • Confined space entry protocols
  • Fall protection and dock safety
  • Hazard communication and cargo handling procedures
• Conduct routine job site safety audits and behavioral observations
• Lead incident response, injury reporting, and root cause investigations
• Coordinate return-to-work and light duty programs in conjunction with HR and insurance partners
• Serve as the primary operational and safety liaison for all port clients
• Ensure service delivery meets both operational expectations and safety performance standards
• Collaborate with clients on safety initiatives, pre-job hazard assessments, and compliance alignment
• Address service or safety concerns with urgency and professionalism
• Ensure all employees are properly trained, credentialed, and cleared for maritime work environments
• Reinforce a culture of safety-first accountability and operational discipline
• Conduct performance management, coaching, and corrective action as necessary
• Ensure all assigned personnel meet required qualifications, including:
  • TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential), where applicable
  • Safety certifications (OSHA 10/30, confined space, rigging, etc.)
  • Client-specific onboarding and safety orientation requirements
• Maintain documentation for audit readiness, including training logs, certifications, and incident records
• Maintain accurate reporting of:
  • Maritime vs. non-maritime labor hours
  • USL&H exposure classifications
  • Incident and near-miss data
• Support internal and external audits, including insurance, client, and regulatory reviews
• Utilize HRIS/workforce systems to track compliance, payroll allocation, and reporting
• Serve as the on-site point of contact for port clients, ensuring exceptional service delivery
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through consistent communication and responsiveness
• Address and resolve client concerns promptly, escalating issues as appropriate
• Conduct regular client check-ins to ensure service satisfaction and identify growth opportunities
• Provide direct supervision and training to port office staff, including coordinators, dispatchers, and administrative personnel
• Establish performance expectations and accountability standards for all team members
• Conduct coaching, training, and performance evaluations
• Foster a culture of professionalism, responsiveness, and operational excellence
• Oversee recruitment coordination, onboarding, and deployment of labor personnel
• Ensure proper documentation, credentialing, and compliance for all assigned workers
• Partner with HR and compliance teams to address employee relations matters, including discipline and investigations
• Monitor attendance, timekeeping accuracy, and workforce reliability
• Ensure adherence to all applicable federal, state, and maritime labor regulations, including wage and hour compliance
• Maintain compliance with port authority rules, safety standards, and client-specific requirements
• Enforce workplace safety protocols and promote a culture of safety within all operations
• Assist in incident reporting, investigations, and corrective action implementation
• Maintain accurate records of job orders, staffing levels, and operational metrics
• Monitor and manage operational expenses within budget parameters
• Complete requisitions for approval of office expenses.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand the client base and increase market share.
• Attend networking events, meetings, lunches, roundtables, etc.

Minimum Qualifications Minimum of 4-7 years of experience in operations management, staffing, logistics, or maritime/port operations Strong financial acumen, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to lead and inspire a team. Prior experience managing workforce deployment in a high-volume, fast-paced environment strongly preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of port operations, labor coordination, and maritime industry practices
• Strong working knowledge of USL&H coverage requirements, including situs/status analysis
• Familiarity with OSHA maritime standards and port safety protocols
• Proven ability to manage high-risk operations and mitigate liability exposure
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills in dynamic environments
• Ability to operate with urgency, precision, and accountability
• Demonstrated leadership ability with experience managing teams and driving performance
• Excellent client service and relationship management skills
• Proficiency in workforce scheduling, dispatch operations, and problem-solving in real-time environments
• Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as operationally required
• Must demonstrate the company Mission Statement in all job functions and day to day activities by providing an exceptional customer experience
• Must possess a high level of integrity and strives to always do the right thing
• Must demonstrate loyalty to the company, our clients, and our co-workers
• Must provide high quality services and strive for excellence in all we do
• Must demonstrate a high level of care and go above and beyond to ensure an exceptional customer experience
• Must be teamwork driven and can work well with others toward a common vision
• Must demonstrate good attendance and appropriate general hygiene and dress
• Excellent computer skills required
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure, using whole numbers, common

fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but involved written or oral instructions

Physical Demands These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Port Operations Manager job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions described of the Port Operation Manager's job.

• Ability to walk job sites, docks, and operational areas regularly
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed
• Capable of working in a dynamic, physically active environment
• Frequently required to sit, walk, use hands to manipulate, and reach with hands and arms

Work Environment This role operates within a port environment requiring frequent interaction with field personnel, clients, and operational teams. Exposure to outdoor conditions, variable weather, and active maritime operations is expected. This position operates in active port, terminal, and waterfront environments, including exposure to:

• Vessel operations and cargo handling areas
• Heavy equipment and industrial activity
• Outdoor weather conditions and variable terrain

TEL Staffing & HR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a firm commitment to the principles of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations, including Executive Order 11246, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. We prohibit discrimination and harassment in all aspects of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, TEL Staffing & HR takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. All employment decisions-including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination-are made in accordance with these principles and in full compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. TEL Staffing & HR provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees with sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship or direct threat as defined by law. Applicants requiring accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact Human Resources. In compliance with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regulations, applicants and employees may request to review portions of the Company's Affirmative Action Plans for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans during normal business hours by contacting Human Resources. E-Verify Participation Notice TEL Staffing & HR participates in the E-Verify program and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, TEL Staffing & HR will provide you with written instructions and an opportunity to contact the appropriate government agency before taking any adverse action. Background Check Disclosure Consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, TEL Staffing & HR may obtain a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report in connection with your application for employment and, if hired, during the course of your employment where permitted by law. These reports may include information regarding your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living, including, where applicable, criminal history, employment verification, and education verification. Any such report will be obtained only with your prior written authorization, and you will be provided with a standalone disclosure and authorization form as required by law. In the event that information contained in a consumer report is used as a basis for an adverse employment decision, you will be provided with all legally required notices, including a copy of the report and a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.