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Port Operations Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forward Air

Operations Supervisor - Ocean

Coppell, TX · On-site

The Operations Supervisor - Ocean Freight is responsible for leading daily ocean import and export ... Ensure compliance with FMC, customs, carrier, and port authority requirements for international ...

TeleSolv Consulting

Operations Supervisor

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Port Hueneme, CA Compensation: $85,000 - $100,000 / year Description TeleSolv is seeking a highly disciplined and technically skilled Operations Supervisor to support a Government-operated equipment ...

Forward Air Corp.

$80 - $100/hr

Ensure compliance with FMC, customs, carrier, and port authority requirements for international ... operations. * Prior supervisory or team lead experience within a freight forwarding, NVOCC, or ...

Akml

Business Operations Supervisor

Kodiak, AK · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

The Port & Harbors Department provides a variety of services to support the public marine ... The Business Operations Supervisor is responsible for providing advanced technical support to the ...

ASAP LOGISTICS LTD

Be Seen First

Port Truck Driver

Jamaica, NY · On-site

$30/hr

... into supervisory or specialized roles. If you're experienced in port operations and have a CDL-A with TWIC, this role offers competitive pay, benefits, and the chance to work in a high-demand ...

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Port Operations Supervisor information

See salary details

$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do port operations supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for port operations supervisor in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a port operations supervisor?

A Port Operations Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily activities and logistics within a port, ensuring the efficient and safe movement of cargo, vessels, and personnel. They coordinate with shipping companies, terminal operators, and regulatory authorities to manage loading and unloading operations, compliance with safety standards, and scheduling. The role also involves supervising staff, resolving operational issues, and maintaining records related to port activities. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential for this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a port operations supervisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Port Operations Supervisor, you need expertise in logistics, maritime regulations, and operational management, often supported by a degree in logistics, maritime studies, or related fields. Familiarity with terminal operating systems (TOS), cargo tracking software, and safety management certifications like OSHA or ISPS Code compliance is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and resolving on-site issues. These competencies ensure efficient, safe, and compliant port operations, minimizing delays and maximizing throughput.

What are some common challenges faced by port operations supervisors, and how can they be addressed?

Port Operations Supervisors often encounter challenges such as coordinating activities among diverse teams, managing time-sensitive cargo operations, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to address these issues. Building strong relationships with terminal staff, shipping agents, and regulatory authorities helps to streamline operations and resolve problems quickly. Staying updated on industry regulations and fostering a safety-first culture also play a crucial role in overcoming daily operational challenges.

What is the difference between Port Operations Supervisor vs Dockworker?

AspectPort Operations SupervisorDockworker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, relevant certifications, supervisory experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentSupervisory roles overseeing port activities, administrative tasksManual labor on docks, loading/unloading cargo
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, port authorities, logistics firmsStevedoring companies, shipping lines
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The Port Operations Supervisor typically oversees port activities, manages staff, and ensures safety compliance, requiring supervisory experience. In contrast, a Dockworker performs manual cargo handling tasks. While both roles are essential in port operations, the supervisor focuses on coordination and management, whereas the dockworker is involved in physical labor.

More about Port Operations Supervisor jobs

What states have the most Port Operations Supervisor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Port Operations Supervisor jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Port Operations Supervisor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Port Operations Supervisor jobs are:

Port Operations Supervisor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Operations Supervisor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Operations Supervisor - Ocean

Forward Air

Coppell, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Operations Supervisor - Ocean Freight is responsible for leading daily ocean import and export operations to ensure compliant, efficient, and costeffective international freight movement. They supervise a team of ocean freight forwarding professionals while serving as a subject matter expert across FCL and LCL shipments, carrier coordination, documentation, and import/export customs processes. They partner closely with internal teams, steamship lines, customs brokers, drayage providers, and overseas offices to maintain high service levels. They play a key role in managing operational performance, meeting customer SLAs, and resolving complex shipment issues. This hands-on leader brings strong background in international ocean freight operations, and a continuous improvement mindset. 

Responsibilities

  • Supervise daytoday ocean import and export operations, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and company SOPs.
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of ocean freight coordinators, fostering accuracy, accountability, and service excellence.
  • Oversee endtoend ocean shipment execution, including booking, documentation, customs coordination, and final delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with FMC, customs, carrier, and port authority requirements for international ocean freight movements.
  • Manage both FCL and LCL shipments, including coordination with steamship lines, NVOCCs, CFS facilities, and drayage providers.
  • Monitor operational KPIs such as transit times, dwell time, demurrage and detention exposure, service levels, and cost control.
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for customer issues, port delays, rollovers, and documentation discrepancies.
  • Review and approve ocean freight documentation, including B/Ls, commercial invoices, packing lists, ISF filings, and export documentation.
  • Coordinate closely with overseas agents, carriers, customs brokers, and inland transportation partners.
  • Support pricing, routing, and capacity decisions in partnership with sales, procurement, and network teams.
  • Identify process inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance.
  • Ensure accurate and timely system updates within freight forwarding and transportation management platforms.
  • Maintain strong customer relationships through proactive communication and issue resolution.
  • Support staffing, scheduling, and workload planning to meet volume fluctuations and service commitments.
  • All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

  • Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred.
  • Certification/Licensure: FMC, CCS, FIATA, or other industryrecognized logistics certifications preferred.
  • Experience: 5+ years of experience in international ocean freight import and export operations.
  • Prior supervisory or team lead experience within a freight forwarding, NVOCC, or logistics environment.
  • Strong working knowledge of international trade compliance, Incoterms, and ocean freight documentation.
  • Experience working with freight forwarding systems and transportation management platforms required; CargoWise experience highly preferred. 
  • Experience managing FCL/LCL shipments, port operations, and demurrage/detention mitigation.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and timemanagement skills in a highvolume, deadlinedriven environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to coordinate across global teams and customers.
  • Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.
  • Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.).
  • Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on-site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events.
    #LI-KK1
    #LI-Onsite
     

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