Vessel Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Expected Salary: $93,600 - $117,000 per year.

Metro Ports is an experienced terminal operator and stevedoring company with locations spanning across the country. For generations, we have consistently served the waterfront community through innovative solutions and processes. Our mission is to consistently deliver safe, efficient, innovative and environmentally responsible maritime operational solutions for our customers.

The Operations Manager II provides day-to-day operational leadership for vessel operations at the Redwood City Terminal and is capable of independently managing two or more operations simultaneously. Reporting to the Sr. Operations Manager, this role directs union labor to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant cargo-handling operations while exercising independent judgment and discretion with minimal direction or oversight. The Operations Manager II partners closely with Metro Ports, customers, and external stakeholders to execute operational plans that support service commitments and business objectives.

• Independently and simultaneously manages two or more operations and is able to work any operation without oversight.
• Directs and supervises cargo-handling operations on a shift-by-shift basis, including labor allocations, manpower assignments, and hiring needs for vessel operations.
• Independently dispatches labor and handles allocations accurately, making operational decisions without input from others.
• Exercises independent judgment and discretion to dispatch labor, handle allocations, and manage daily work assignments for ILWU labor without input from others, holding employees accountable and taking immediate corrective action for non-compliance.
• Coordinates vessel operations to ensure timely, cost-effective loading and unloading without compromising service quality or customer requirements.
• Establishes and implements operating priorities, procedures, practices, and goals to meet organizational objectives, continuously evaluating operations for improvement.
• Interfaces and communicates proactively and reactively with customers, ship’s crew, agents, port staff, PMA, Local ILWU representatives, pilots’ associations, and governmental agencies regarding the most effective methods of operation and to support effective operational execution.
• Ensures strict compliance with customer cargo handling and cleaning procedures, including requirements related to cargo changes, cargo types, and destinations.
• Promotes safety awareness and ensures compliance with environmental, safety, and health (HSE) policies and systems across all assigned operations by initiating immediate corrective action and completing injury and incident reports as required.
• Performs daily and monthly operational and safety compliance inspections to ensure ongoing adherence to standards.
• Delivers and enforces regulatory compliance training, including PMA, PCLCD, PCMSC, OSHA, port working rules, stowage, hazardous materials, and proper manning requirements.
• Maintains working knowledge of and proficiently applies applicable labor agreements, including PCLCD and PCMSC, resolving questions of interpretation at the point of operation and remaining aware of labor relations issues to effectively manage organized labor.
• Handles labor grievances in an expeditious manner by gathering relevant facts and applying sound judgment and discretion in resolution.
• Monitors, enters, reviews, and approves operational documentation, including vessel and payroll records, shift reports, and cargo-handling notes, ensuring accuracy, completion, and appropriate routing by the end of each shift.
• Utilizes Nautilus systems for research and analysis, including Sailfish and Vessel Scheduler.
• Maintains awareness of site security requirements and ensures terminal security procedures are followed.
• Assists with maintenance repair coordination and oversight as needed to support operational readiness.
• Participates in industry functions and attends meetings as required.
• Must be able to work day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: 3+ years of progressively responsible, related experience, including time as an Operations Manager I or in a comparable Terminal Operations Supervisor/Superintendent role, with demonstrated ability to run operations without oversight.
• Licenses:
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Knowledge:
  • Thorough understanding of operating procedures for terminal equipment, including mobile and fixed equipment, ship loaders, ship’s gear cranes, and bulk cargo operations.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
  • Proficient in the practical application of labor agreements, including PCLCD and PCMSC.
• Skills:
  • Ability to direct and supervise union labor effectively.
  • Independent judgment and discretion in operational decision-making.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to resolve problems, manage conflict, and handle grievances professionally.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Logistics, or a related field.
• Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with PMA processes and reporting requirements.
  • Understanding of hazardous materials handling and stowage practices.
• Skills: Ability to adapt to changing operational priorities in a fast-paced terminal 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 stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds. It may involve regular exposure to outdoor environments and active work sites. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the task. Some positions may require travel between job sites.
• Work Environment: Work may be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including active job sites with varying weather conditions and potential exposure to noise, dust, and other occupational hazards. Safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided and required as appropriate.
• Paid vacation and holiday pay.
• Health, dental and vision (employee contribution required).
• 401(k) with company matching contribution.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Pet insurance (employee contribution required).

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, SC, TX and WA, we continue to impact diverse communities and industries. Nautilus International Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, 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 HRDept@nautilusintl.com .

This job description is not intended to be an employment contract or guarantee of employment. Employment with Nautilus International Holding Corporation is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This job description may be modified at any time at the sole discretion of the company.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.