Director Container Operations

Are you ready to think about the future and dream big? At Port Houston, we're seeking individuals who are eager to tackle the most significant challenges of their careers. For over a century, we've been driven by vision and scale, delivering impactful initiatives that shape Houston and the region. Our sustainability and success hinge on attracting, retaining, and nurturing exceptional talent.

When you join Port Houston, you're embarking on a journey towards a fulfilling career path. Take the first step in the right direction—are you READY?

Position Summary

Leads and manages all aspects of terminal operations excluding maintenance activities, at Bayport and Barbour’s Cut container terminals. Forecasts business growth generates responsible financial returns through efficient operations; ensures the terminals are strategically positioned to handle dynamic changes in business and works effectively across the organization to ensure capacity remains ahead of forecasted growth. Partners with all Port Houston divisions to provide visibility into terminal operations, including development of new and existing customers, users and other outside stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities/Duties

• Direct all container operational activities to optimize output of both container facilities
• Evaluate processes and technologies for operational improvements to adjust to a rapidly changing industry
• Act as container operations liaison for all Port Houston divisions providing visibility into terminal operations for new and existing customers, government officials, public involvement, safety, security, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, channel improvements and all other stakeholders
• Manage the coordination between Operations and Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability for terminal operations
• Provide staffing, training and supervision of all work performed by the Port Houston Container Operations staff including a large group of ILA workers
• Supervise, measure, and coordinate adjustments to maintain productive performance of terminal operations including gate, road, vessel, and yard
• Collaborate across the organization to ensure optimal terminal service and financial performance is achieved.
• Set agenda and priorities for IT that affects and add value to Container Operations
• Develop and review with the Chief Port Operations Officer the short/long term financial forecasting and revenue and expense budgets for the container terminals
• Evaluate and provide economic justification with recommendations for long range strategic initiatives to position the container terminals in a competitive position to grow with forecasted business demands
• Evaluate changes in business strategies to provide the highest cash flows for Port Houston and provides recommendations to the Chief Port Operations Officer
• Establish and preserve appropriate relationships with customers, facility users and labor, and requires staff to do the same
• Assist the Chief Port Operations Officer to establish and maintain up to date ILA labor work rules that ensure a competitive and efficient operation
• Lead effort in promotion and achievement of safe work environment for all employees at the facilities
• Maintain relationship with WGMA for payroll processing and ILA safety and training
• Manage the rates, rules, and requirements as set out in Tariffs 14 and 15, and recommend proactive changes based upon market conditions
• Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
• Perform other duties as required
  
  

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Maritime Administration, Operations Management, Transportation, or related major in a public or accredited private academic institution required
• Master’s degree preferred
• 7 years related terminal logistics experience required
  
  

Previous Supervisory Experience Required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

• Knowledge of Maritime operations and cargo handling equipment
• Knowledge of Port Houston’s service standards
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, Port Houston operating systems, Port Houston financial processes and Port Houston internal reporting
• Collaboration, relationship and team building skills
• Presentation and political skills
• Pragmatic and strategic decision-making skills
• Ability to promote business relationships
• Ability to delegate responsibility
• Ability to maintain perspective to manage conflict
• Ability to build customer and stakeholder loyalty and trust
• Ability to pay attention to detail
• Ability to continuously improve, make decisions and facilitate needed change
• Ability to employ a global perspective
• Ability to think creatively and take risks to achieve innovative results
• A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employment
  
  

Key Competencies Required

• Achieving Results
• Collaboration
• Information Monitoring
• Planning and Organizing
• Leading Through Vision and Values
  
  

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to open office environment noise level may occasionally be high. To apply, please go to porthouston.com/careers. Only applications submitted through the Port Houston Careers website will be acknowledged. Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.

Thank you for choosing Port Houston in your career search.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.