Operations Manager I

**Expected salary: $83,100.00 - $103,900.00

About us

Metro is recognized for its rich history of excellence in the Bulk and Break Bulk Industry. Our focus on quality and innovation has raised the bar for the level of service delivered today. We are a nationwide Stevedore Service and Terminal Operator.

Our mission is to consistently deliver safe, efficient, innovative, and environmentally responsible maritime operational solutions for our customers.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager at Metro oversees operations for Terminal & Vessel operations and Vessel arrivals and departures, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant coordination of union labor and terminal activities. This role is critical in maintaining operational readiness, enforcing safety standards, and delivering a seamless experience. The position requires strong leadership, labor relations expertise, and the ability to respond to dynamic operational needs in a high-visibility, customer-facing environment. This position’s main location will be Stockton, but will be required to assist, as needed, in our Redwood City and Richmond locations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Port representatives for vessel tie-up and let go based on published ETA or ETD.
• Implement daily work schedule for terminal & vessel operations.
• Supervise union personnel, including longshore workers, marine clerks, and foremen, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and performance standards.
• Communicate with vessel crew members, including ship captains and agents, to relay updates and resolve operational issues.
• Order labor, approve overtime, and manage shift transitions in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Conduct physical inspections of vessels, gear, and terminal equipment; verify certifications and report deficiencies.
• Review and sign safety checklists, ensuring compliance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) and other regulatory requirements.
• Resolve personnel conflicts and performance issues, documenting incidents and coordinating with HR or senior management as needed.
• Submit daily reports on labor usage, equipment deployment, and operational outcomes.
• Attend operational meetings and collaborate with internal departments as needed.
• Crosstrain in various stevedore functions to support operational flexibility and team development.
• Travel to outlying Metro terminals as needed to support operational needs.
• Maintain flexibility to work variable shifts, including weekends, holidays, and on-call hours.
• Performance Goal: Ensure 100% of terminal & vessel operations are completed on schedule with zero safety violations.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications  

Required:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: 2+ years in maritime or terminal operations, preferably in a supervisory capacity.
• Licenses: Valid driver’s license; ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC card and Port ID.
• Age:
• Knowledge:
  • Terminal, longshore union policies, and port procedures.
  • Awareness of anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation laws (training provided).
  • Understanding of OSHA, IIPP, and maritime safety regulations.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and supervisory abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Effective communication with union personnel, vessel agents, and Port representatives.
  • Ability to remain composed and responsive under pressure.
  • Strong listening skills and decisiveness in dynamic operational settings.
  • Professional demeanor in all internal and external interactions.
  • Organizational awareness and sensitivity to interdepartmental dynamics.

Preferred:

• Additional Experiences: Experience supervising union labor in cruise or passenger vessel operations.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with Bulk and Break-bulk operations, terminal procedures, vessel gear certifications, and vessel lines handling procedures.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Physical Demands: This role requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds. Candidates must be able to safely access and maneuver through all areas of ships and marine terminals, including climbing ladders, navigating narrow walkways, ramps, and elevated platforms, and working at varying heights or in confined spaces. Walking on uneven surfaces or in wet conditions may be required. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required depending on the task. Some positions may involve travel between job sites.
• Work Environment: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including active marine terminals and shipboard settings. Conditions may include exposure to varying weather, noise, dust, moving equipment, and other occupational hazards. Safety protocols are strictly enforced, and appropriate PPE is provided and required. The role may involve working near water, at heights, or in enclosed spaces.

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 and WA, we continue to impact diverse communities and industries. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, 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.