Container Yard Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Maersk Logistics & Services USA, Inc. handles end-to-end warehousing and distribution logistics needs utilizing our strategic network of storage facilities. Our facilities are capable of receiving, storing, processing and dispatching cargo, so we can build flexibility and resilience into the supply chain process. Our integrated solutions allow us to be prepared for supply chain risks, so we can plan distribution to better achieve lead time and goals despite unexpected conditions. Our extensive experience, connections, and deep expertise across different sectors, industries, and transportation modes, means we can be counted on for process excellence that will save time and money.

Purpose/Summary:

The Head of Yard Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, safety, efficiency, financial performance, and strategic management of yard operations.

This role ensures optimal utilization of yard capacity, equipment, personnel, and transportation assets while maintaining operational
excellence, customer service, and cost control. The Head of Yard partners cross-functionally with Operations, Transportation, Engineering, Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Security, Safety, and Customer teams to drive performance, continuous improvement, and scalable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the yard is maintained in a safe, secure, organized, and compliant condition at all times.
• Monitor yard capacity and equipment availability throughout the day, particularly during peak
• operating periods, and communicate capacity status to operational leadership.
• Oversee daily yard execution, including trailer, container, and parking asset utilization.
• Partner with Operations to forecast yard moves, coordinate door assignments, and manage outside carrier trailer and container pools.
• Monitor and improve key operational metrics, including:
• Yard driver productivity
• Door dwell time
• Equipment dwell time
• Asset utilization and availability
• Proactively identify trailers or containers dwelling beyond established thresholds and
• coordinate corrective actions.
• Ensure data integrity, system optimization, and process governance within the Yard
• Management System (YMS).
• Manage relationships with third-party vendors supporting yard operations, transportation, equipment maintenance, security, safety, and facility services.
• Analyze operational performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve yard flow, gate processing, and operational efficiency.

Planning & Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop and execute short- and long-term yard capacity strategies to support customer growth, seasonal demand, and network optimization.
• Lead capacity planning initiatives for trailers, containers, yard tractors, and parking assets to maximize utilization and prevent operational bottlenecks.
• Develop contingency plans to support peak volume events and business continuity requirements.
• Partner with Transportation, Drayage, Rail, Ocean, and Operations teams to optimize equipment flow across the supply chain.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound equipment planning with internal and external transportation partners.
• Develop strategies to improve asset utilization, reduce detention and demurrage costs, and increase overall transportation efficiency.
• Maintain responsibility for yard-related financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, financial reporting, and general ledger reconciliation.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through process improvements, asset optimization, and carrier management.
• Develop capital expenditure recommendations for equipment, technology, automation, infrastructure, and facility improvements.
• Create executive dashboards and performance reporting to support operational visibility and data-driven decision-making.
• Analyze operational trends and leverage predictive analytics to recommend strategic improvements.
• Present operational performance, financial results, and improvement initiatives to executive leadership.
• Develop organizational structures, succession plans, workforce planning strategies, and leadership development programs for Yard Operations.
• Establish performance management systems and accountability metrics to ensure operational excellence and employee development.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly leads and develops all yard operation personnel, including:
• Yard Management
• Yard Drivers
• Yard Management System (YMS) Clerks
• Yard Auditors

Additional supervisory responsibilities include:

• Recruiting, hiring, training, coaching, and performance management of yard personnel.
• Developing and delivering onboarding and continuous training programs.
• Establishing clear performance expectations, accountability standards, and succession plans.
• Promoting a culture of safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Classification: Internal

Qualifications:

• College Degree Preferred but not required.
• Minimum 7-10 years industry experience in a 3PL environment and company owned
• distribution center or warehouse facility.
• Minimum 10 years supervisory or managerial experience.
• Labor Relations Experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of handling drayage and intermodal transportation.
• Financial Acumen, ability to make effective decisions and experience managing projects and risk
• Skills in planning, controlling, staffing, budgeting, organizing, and communicating are required.
• May be required to work extended shift hours based on business need and up to including
• evenings, weekends and Holidays.
• A hands-on management approach that encourages change and creative problem-solving.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced and high-intensity environment.
• Ability to interact effectively at multiple levels in support of customer relationships.
• A commitment to continuous improvement in an ever-changing industry.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and high integrity.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Ability to grow and grow others High level of computer skills, to include, but not limited to
• Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint Excellent networking, relationship
• building/maintenance, and communication and presentation skills.

Company Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k + Company Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Work Schedules (when possible)
• And more!

Pay Range:

$140k - $160k annually

*The above stated pay range is the anticipated starting salary range for the position. The Company may adjust this range in light of prevailing market conditions and other factors such as location. The Company will work directly with the selected candidate(s) on the final starting salary in accordance with all applicable laws.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.