Operations Manager I

Expected Salary Range: $72,300 - $90,400

About us

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.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager I supports day-to-day cargo operations, including vessel, warehouse, and liquid transfer activities, by coordinating labor, service providers, and equipment. This role makes sure cargo moves safely, on time, and according to shipping instructions and customer requirements, while following all federal, state, and local safety regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews daily schedules and operational priorities with Warehouse, Vessel, and Terminal Managers to coordinate vessel, warehouse, and terminal work.
• Coordinates operations with Metro personnel, Port Authority personnel, vessel agents, and customer representatives, and shares projected work schedules.
• Communicates with Wilmington Terminal Railroad (WTRY) operators, North Carolina State Ports Authority (NCSPA) personnel, and union personnel, and relays changes from shippers, vendors, agents, and government officials.
• Orders labor and adjusts labor requests (e.g., International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and temporary staffing agencies) with supervisor approval.
• Calculates manpower for the next shift by forecasting gangs, equipment availability, and shifts required.
• Supervises and directs union and temp. agency workers during operations, including verifying timecards and clock-in/out times.
• Recommends personnel changes for performance issues, in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, and works with management to resolve employee conflicts.
• Works with the vessel Chief Officer/Captain, draft surveyors, and agents to monitor loading and discharging.
• Inspects stevedore gear and rigging and verifies ship's crane certificates.
• Conducts inspections and operation rounds of vessels, warehouses, and yards to ensure cargo is handled and stored according to plan.
• Reviews stowage, storage, and load-out plans and previous shift documents.
• Requests equipment and gear from the M&R team in advance and operates equipment as directed.
• Ensures a safe workplace for longshore workers and Metro Ports employees, and signs safety checklists before work begins.
• Implements and upholds the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP), taking appropriate measures to prevent injuries and minimize damage to property and equipment.
• Verifies reports for accuracy, attends meetings, and participates in peer reviews.
• to develop operational versatility, provide effective coverage during absences or peak operational periods, and ensure continuity across assigned terminal and vessel operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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: 0-3 years of progressively responsible, work experience.
• Licenses:

+ Valid driver’s license.

+ Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

• Knowledge:

+ Awareness of anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation laws (training provided).

• Skills:

+ Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.

+ Ability to evaluate operational situations, make sound decisions within established guidelines, and escalate issues when appropriate.

+ Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage changing priorities.

+ Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

+ Adapts to changing schedules and operational demands.

+ Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Preferred:

• Experience: Prior Superintendent experience.
• Knowledge:

+ Knowledge of maritime operations and the maritime industry, including longshoremen's union policies, union contracts, harbor and port procedures, and governmental and safety regulations.

• Skills:

+ Ability to identify and help resolve operational issues and interpersonal conflicts, and to refer formal grievances to supervisor.

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).

Why Join Us

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, OR and WA, we continue to impact diverse communities and industries.

We provide equal employment opportunities (https://www.metroports.com/img/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, 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 [email protected]

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.

Licenses & Certifications

Required* Drivers License

• TWIC

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.