Vessel Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION PROFILE (Job Summary)

The Senior Operations Manager provides leadership and strategic oversight for all Tacoma yard maintenance and operational activities. This role is responsible for daily cargo operations, coordinating load and discharge processes with stevedoring teams, vehicle and maintenance departments, and the vessel group to ensure safe, efficient, and timely vessel operations. Additionally, the position oversees all Tacoma terminal facility maintenance, including roloc box upkeep, terminal infrastructure, environmental and security programs.  Specify and approve new and replacement equipment based on fleet and terminal requirements. The Senior Operations Manager ensures seamless operational execution, high service reliability, and adherence to safety and compliance standards across the terminal.

Essential Job Responsibilities AND Results

• Directly supervises terminal and cargo manager employees, carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include hiring, training, planning, assigning, budgeting, and directing work; appraising performance; and resolving problems.
• Coordinates load and discharge operations with vessel crew and stevedores in collaboration with cargo manager, terminal manager, and vessel management team.
• Directs terminal manager in managing all facility maintenance to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Manages TOTE vendors, approves quotes, and monitors labor costs.
• Approves specifications of terminal and fleet equipment,
• Applies for and executes a capital budget.
• Reports on and manages department annual operating budgets.
• Works with customers on oversize freight and hazardous requirements in coordination with cargo manager.
• Oversees transload coordination on and off the terminal with cargo manager.
• Serves as a liaison with customers to ensure adherence to TOTE securement requirements.
• Directs Facility Security Officer to ensure Tacoma terminal compliance with all regulatory requirements and TOTE Maritime Alaska safety programs.
• Manages key partners including stevedores, trailer manufacturers, Coast Guard, Port of Tacoma, vehicle inspection vendors, LNG facility, and trailer repair vendors, including vendor evaluations.
• Maintains basic understanding of trailer equipment and highway bridge axle regulations to recommend trailing equipment specifications.
• Understands telematics for dry and refrigerated containers and trailers to comply with Food Safety Management Act (FSMA).
• Familiarity with third-party vehicle inspections and electronic point-of-delivery devices.
• Familiarity with terminal handling equipment including hustlers, terminal vehicles, top picks, forklifts, ship sleds, dollies, and ramps.
• Proven ability to oversee and optimize the use of enterprise systems—including financial management platforms (Infor FSM), business planning and reporting tools (Adaptive), and equipment maintenance systems (Hexagon EAM)—to strengthen operational performance and support strategic decision-making.
• Familiarity with shipping hazardous cargo.
• Ability to work with organized labor and navigate the complexities of negotiating between stevedore labor and customers.
• Ability to work extended hours as needed to support vessel operations and terminal activities to include weekends and holidays if necessary.

Qualifications (Education, Experience and Certifications)

• Bachelor’s degree required (in logistics, engineering, or related field preferred).
• 10 years of experience, including operations/stevedoring/vessel cargo operations or terminal operations.
• Six years supervisory experience (in transportation, logistics, or related field).
• Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

KNOWLEDGE, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to manage dynamic operational environments and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comprehensive understanding of maritime and terminal operations, including vessel load/discharge processes and stevedoring coordination.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements, including U.S. Coast Guard regulations, hazardous cargo handling, and environmental standards.
• Proficiency in enterprise systems such as Infor FSM, Adaptive Planning, and Hexagon EAM.
• Proven leadership and team management skills with the ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff.
• Strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills to optimize operational efficiency and resolve complex challenges.
• Excellent communication skills for internal coordination and customer engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint) for reporting, analysis, and collaboration.
• Capacity to oversee multi-million-dollar budgets and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively with organized labor and navigate union-related complexities.

WORK ENVIRONMENTTypically works in an office environment with adequate lighting, ventilation, and a normal range of temperature and noise levels. The role also requires regular presence on the terminal and aboard vessels to observe operations, coordinate activities, and address operational needs. Work may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, industrial equipment, and active cargo-handling areas.PHYSICAL EFFORTMost work requires normal physical effort. The position also demands the physical ability to safely navigate a loaded vessel and the terminal yard, including stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and walking across uneven surfaces. The employee must be able to move between office, vessel, and yard environments as required to support operational oversight.

MANUAL DEXTERITY

Requires moderate use of personal computer (word processing and spreadsheets) for compiling reports, statistical data, composing memoranda and other similar documents.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The salary range is $102,000-193,500 with an expected target salary range of $150,000-175,000. Pay will be based on several factors including the candidate’s education, work experience, work location and specific job duties.

As part of the team, full-time employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, short term disability, employee assistance program, 401(k) with company match and discretionary funding, tuition reimbursement, supplemental parental leave, jury duty, and bereavement leave. Full-time employees will receive a minimum of 10 days’ vacation, 10 days sick, 10 days paid holidays and one floating holiday every 12 months. In addition, we offer an annual discretionary bonus (based on eligibility).

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