Expected Salary Range: $103,800 - $129,700Position SummaryThe
Director of Operations I oversees cargo receiving and loadout operations across Wilmington's on-terminal and off-terminal facilities. This leadership role ensures operational efficiency, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction while fostering a collaborative and performance-driven team culture. The director plays a key role in expanding Metro Ports' presence within customer supply chains and driving continuous improvement across all handling activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Directs cargo receiving and loadout operations across Wilmington's on-terminal and off-terminal facilities, setting priorities for safe and efficient execution while holding Operations Managers accountable for productivity, efficient use of labor and equipment, and profitability.
- Directs daily priorities including labor requisitions, cargo handling, facility cleanliness, and equipment safety.
- Directly manages Operations Managers and retains overall accountability for the supervision, performance, and conduct of union-represented employees through the management team.
- Hires and terminates staff in coordination with Human Resources.
- Leads employee development, supports team morale, and conducts performance evaluations.
- Promotes a positive team culture and emphasizes the strategic importance of each role.
- Encourages cross-training and open communication across the Wilmington team.
- Disseminates corporate communications effectively to local staff.
- Owns and improves the local safety program in collaboration with the Director of HSE.
- Monitors compliance with safety procedures and implements corrective actions when necessary.
- Ensures adherence to environmental regulations and reporting requirements.
- Ensures compliance with applicable union and non-union agreements and customer contracts.
- Ensures operator-level maintenance of all machinery and equipment.
- Establishes and implements local policies, goals, and procedures to meet organizational objectives.
- Reviews local workflows and updates procedures to improve consistency and efficiency.
- Develops written work processes for key functions and discourages siloed operations.
- Develops forecasts and budgets to support strategic planning.
- Approves purchase orders, supply requisitions, invoices, and timecards.
- Performance Goal: Achieve a 10% improvement in cargo handling efficiency and a 10% improvement in team engagement through process optimization and culture-building initiatives.
- Coordinates closely with the Regional Director of Operations and Terminal Manager to align operational priorities with corporate objectives.
- Engages proactively with customers, port staff, government agencies, lessors, brokers, and agents to address service needs and support regulatory compliance.
- Serves as a liaison with port officials, lessors, and regulatory agencies on local operational matters.
- Establishes local contacts to improve operational efficiency and collaboration.
- Collaborates with consultants and vendors to support operational needs.
- Monitors and reports on local market conditions, opportunities, and constraints.
- Represents Metro Ports at industry functions and meetings.
- Assists other operations with engineering, maintenance, or procedural issues.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Regional Director of Operations.
Work Schedule - Works weekends and holidays as needed and remains available on call 24 hours a day for emergencies and operational continuity.
- Travels from Wilmington, NC, to Charleston, SC; Morehead City, NC; and Savannah, GA, as required to support 24/7 operational needs.
- The typical shift is 8 hours. During vessel operations, shifts may last 10-12 hours.
Qualifications Required:- Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience: At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in terminal operations, including supervisory roles.
- Licenses:
- Valid driver's license.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Knowledge:
- Maritime operations experience and knowledge of the maritime industry, including longshoremen's union policies, union contracts, harbor and port procedures, and governmental and safety regulations.
- Strong understanding of operating procedures for mobile and fixed terminal equipment.
- Familiarity with cargo handling workflows and safety protocols.
- Awareness of anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation laws (training provided).
- Skills:
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in operational decisions.
- Strong planning and organizational skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to solve operational problems, manage conflicts, and handle grievances professionally.
- Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to direct and supervise union labor effectively.
- Strong interpersonal communication and conflict-resolution skills.
- Adapts to changing schedules and operational demands.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
Preferred:- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or Logistics.
- Additional Experiences: Experience in warehousing, supply chain integration, or value-added services.
- Knowledge:
- Experience working under ILA collective bargaining agreements.
- Familiarity with port authority protocols and labor relations.
- Understanding of customer supply chain diversification strategies.
- Skills:
- Ability to lead change initiatives and drive innovation.
- Mastery in public speaking and cross-departmental collaboration.
Physical Demands & Work 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. Manual dexterity is needed for operating standard office equipment. It involves regular exposure to outdoor environments and active work sites. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the task.
- Work Environment: Work to 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.
Benefits- Paid vacation and holiday pay.
- Health, dental and vision (employee contribution required).
- 401(k) with company matching contribution.
- Bonus eligible.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Pet insurance (employee contribution required).
