Expected Salary Range: $81,400 - $101,700
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 II oversees vessel, warehouse, terminal, and liquid transfer operations to ensure efficient cargo handling, labor coordination, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This role plays a critical part in optimizing port operations, leading union personnel, and maintaining high standards of performance and safety across all shifts, while providing direction and support to Operations Managers I.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Performs all duties of an Operations Manager I, and in addition:
- Leads planning and execution of vessel, warehouse, terminal, and liquid transfer operations, coordinating with Port Authority personnel, vessel agents, customer representatives, and union personnel to ensure timely and safe cargo handling.
- Develops daily work schedules for vessel, warehouse, and terminal operations in coordination with Warehouse, Vessel, and Terminal Managers, aligning labor and equipment needs with operational goals, and shares projected work schedules with Port Authority personnel, vessel agents, and customer representatives.
- 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.
- Forecasts manpower requirements and allocates labor resources across shifts to support optimal gang utilization.
- Orders labor and adjusts labor requests (ILA and temporary staffing agencies) independently, and reviews and approves labor requests from Operations Managers I.
- Supervises union personnel, temporary agency workers, and operational staff, including scheduling, performance management, conflict resolution, and timecard verification.
- Provides day-to-day direction, guidance, and on-the-job training to Operations Managers I.
- Approves overtime and makes personnel adjustments to maintain productivity and resolve performance issues, in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements.
- Serves as the first-level management representative in resolving union grievances.
- Conducts physical inspections and operation rounds of vessels, warehouses, yards, gear, and equipment to ensure cargo is handled and stored according to plan and that operations meet safety standards and readiness requirements.
- Requests equipment and gear from the Maintenance and Repair (M&R) team in advance of operations.
- Ensures a safe workplace by actively monitoring and enforcing safety protocols for longshore personnel and Metropolitan Stevedore Company employees.
- Implements and upholds the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP), taking appropriate measures to prevent injuries and minimize damage to property and equipment.
- Reviews stowage, storage, and load-out plans and previous shift documents before each shift.
- Works with the vessel Chief Officer or Captain, draft surveyors, and agents to monitor loading and discharging activities, ensuring adherence to stowage, storage, and load-out plans and safety protocols.
- Communicates operational updates to ship captains and chief officers and resolves issues related to de-ballasting and load plans.
- Reviews and signs off on safety checklists, gear certifications, and ship’s crane certificates, ensuring documentation accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Submits daily equipment usage reports and verifies operational data for accuracy.
- Participates in peer review procedures and attends operational meetings to support continuous improvement.
- to ensure operational flexibility, continuity, and effective coverage as business needs require.
- Plans labor, coordinates equipment, and oversees operations to achieve 95% on-time vessel turnaround.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the 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: 2–5 years of progressively responsible experience in maritime or port operations.
- 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.
- 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 a related field.
- Additional Experiences: Prior Superintendent experience.
- Knowledge:
- Experience working under ILA collective bargaining agreements.
- Skills:
- Ability to manage cross-functional teams.
- Public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
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 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 recruiters@nautilusintl.com
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.