Director, National Port Operations

Job summary

The Director of National Port Operations is responsible for leading and overseeing container port operations across North America, including strategic planning and operational execution. This role manages regional port managers and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure service quality, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.

Job details

Salary Range: $130,000. to $201,250. Location This position will follow a hybrid work-from-home/office model with at least three days in the office weekly Role Summary Responsible for leading and overseeing container port operations for ONE across all North American ports, including strategic planning, operational execution, supplier management, performance evaluation, and service quality. This role requires a strong leader with extensive experience in maritime and intermodal operations, a deep understanding of the complexities of different port environments, and the ability to manage and coordinate teams across geographically diverse locations. This role will oversee a team of regional and local Port Operations Managers stationed at key ports across the US and Canada, as well as a centralized port operations support staff.Additional Responsibilities National Strategy Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive national port operations strategy that aligns with ONE's overall business objectives and optimizes efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service quality across all North American ports. Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day port operations on both the East and West Coasts, ensuring smooth execution of vessel operations, cargo handling, intermodal connections, and terminal activities. Proactively identify and address operational bottlenecks and challenges. Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders (sales, customer service, logistics) and external partners (port authorities, industry associations, government agencies) to ensure alignment and effective communication. Financial Management: Oversee budget planning and cost control for national port operations. Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to optimize resource utilization. Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key port area suppliers, including terminal operators, stevedores, trucking companies, chassis providers, tug operators, husbandry agents, and railroads. Manage performance and ensure service level agreements are met. Performance Monitoring and Improvement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency, cost control, and service quality across all ports. Analyze data, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions to enhance overall performance. Crisis Management: Develop and implement contingency plans to address potential disruptions, such as labor disputes, port congestion, or natural disasters. Lead crisis response efforts and minimize impact on operations and customer service. Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor a team of regional port operations managers, providing guidance, coaching, and development opportunities. Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations related to port operations, safety, and environmental protection. Travel: This role requires travel to meet with internal stakeholders, their staff, vendors, and industry partners at various locations across North America. Core Required Skills and Competencies Strategic Thinking and Execution: Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies that align with business goals. Leadership and Collaboration: Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams across multiple locations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Operational Expertise: Deep understanding of maritime and intermodal operations, including vessel operations, cargo handling, terminal management, and intermodal transportation. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and solve complex operational challenges. Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to adapt to changing market conditions, industry trends, and operational challenges. Communication and Presentation Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to various audiences. Function Specific Skills Ability to manage change and changing priorities. Acts with commercial mindedness Applies logical methods utilizing analytical skills and experience for best-suited approach; able to resolve complex issues Inland logistics, intermodal, and port operations knowledge Strategic Planning and innovative thinking Successful Vendor management relations Required Minimum Years Experience 8+ years of management experience in port operations or related field 12+ years of industry-related experience in maritime, intermodal, or supply chain managementRequired Minimum Education Bachelor's Degree PreferredOcean Network Express provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. At Ocean Network Express, we strive toward high-level results for all our employees and pride ourselves on identifying opportunities for internal movement and advancement of proven talent. If you’re interested in a career in the global transportation industry and are looking for growth and advancement opportunities, we encourage you to apply. We enjoy meeting candidates who are persistent in their own professional development. ONE NA follows a hybrid work schedule requiring employees to work 3 days in the office (i.e. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and 2 days remote each week. Salary commensurate with experience means your pay will be directly proportional to your background, skills, and qualifications. What we offer: Opportunities available with hybrid working arrangements Total rewards package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401K plan About Ocean Network Express (ONE) Ocean Network Express (ONE) was incepted on July 7, 2017, following the liner service integrations of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK). The new entity functions from its global headquarters in Singapore, supported by regional headquarters in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Brazil. ONE is the world’s sixth-largest container carrier with a fleet size of approximately 1.91 million TEU. Operating more than 240 vessels, it offers an expeditious and reliable international network of over 130 services to 120 countries and beyond. ONE is a member of the Premier Alliance, a global ocean carrier consortium. For more information, please visit www.one-line.com #JIL #ZR

What you’ll do

The Director of National Port Operations is responsible for leading and overseeing container port operations across North America, including strategic planning and operational execution. This role manages regional port managers and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure service quality, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least 8 years of management experience in port operations and 12+ years of industry-related experience in maritime, intermodal, or supply chain management. A Bachelor's degree is required for this position.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• 401k plan

Listed skills

• Team Leadership · Preferred
• crisis management · Preferred
• Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
• Operational Excellence · Preferred
• Performance Monitoring · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Change Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Strategic planning
• Maritime operations
• Intermodal operations
• Port operations
• Supplier management
• Financial management
• Team leadership
• Crisis management
• Regulatory compliance
• Operational excellence
• Stakeholder collaboration
• Performance monitoring
• Data analysis
• Problem-solving
• Change management
• Commercial mindedness
• Supplier Management
• Cargo Handling
• Cost Control
• Operational Efficiency
• Supply Chain
• Accountability
• Business Objectives
• Animal Husbandry
• Effective Communication
• Resilience
• Strategy Development
• Planning
• Motivational Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Adaptability
• Management
• Strategic Planning
• Customer Service
• Communication
• Regulatory Compliance
• Contingency Planning
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Crisis Management
• Sales
• Financial Management
• Leadership
• Innovation
• Interpersonal Communications
• Problem Solving
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Operational Excellence
• Operations Management
• Operations
• Performance Review

Job areas

• Logistics
• Management & Leadership
• Transportation
• Consulting
• National Director of Operations
• Director of Operations
• Manufacturing Managers
• General and Operations Managers

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