Director, National Port Operations

Ocean Network Express North America; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Ocean Network Express North America is seeking a Director of National Port Operations to lead and unify port operations across North American ports. The role requires strategic planning, supplier management, performance evaluation, and cross-functional leadership in a hybrid work setting.

You will oversee regional and local Port Operations Managers, drive KPI-based improvements, and manage budgets while ensuring regulatory compliance. Occasional travel across the region is required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of management experience in port operations or related field.
• 12+ years of industry-related experience in maritime, intermodal, or supply chain management.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a national port operations strategy that aligns with ONE's objectives.
• Oversee day-to-day port operations on East and West Coasts.
• Foster collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Manage budget planning and cost control for national port operations.
• Build and maintain relationships with port area suppliers and ensure SLAs are met.
• Establish KPIs to track efficiency, cost, and service quality.
• Develop contingency plans to address disruptions; lead crisis response.
• Lead and mentor regional port operations managers across key ports.
• Ensure compliance with regulations related to port operations.
• Travel to meet stakeholders, staff, vendors, and partners across North America.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Director, National Port Operations

Salary Range: $130,000. to $201,250.

Location

This position will follow a hybrid work-from-home/office model with at least three days in the office weekly

Role Summary

Responsible for leading and overseeing container port operations for ONE across all North American ports, including strategic planning, operational execution, supplier management, performance evaluation, and service quality. This role requires a strong leader with extensive experience in maritime and intermodal operations, a deep understanding of the complexities of different port environments, and the ability to manage and coordinate teams across geographically diverse locations. This role will oversee a team of regional and local Port Operations Managers stationed at key ports across the US and Canada, as well as a centralized port operations support staff.

Additional Responsibilities

• National Strategy Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive national port operations strategy that aligns with ONE's overall business objectives and optimizes efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service quality across all North American ports.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day port operations on both the East and West Coasts, ensuring smooth execution of vessel operations, cargo handling, intermodal connections, and terminal activities. Proactively identify and address operational bottlenecks and challenges.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders (sales, customer service, logistics) and external partners (port authorities, industry associations, government agencies) to ensure alignment and effective communication.
• Financial Management: Oversee budget planning and cost control for national port operations. Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to optimize resource utilization.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key port area suppliers, including terminal operators, stevedores, trucking companies, chassis providers, tug operators, husbandry agents, and railroads. Manage performance and ensure service level agreements are met.
• Performance Monitoring and Improvement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency, cost control, and service quality across all ports. Analyze data, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions to enhance overall performance.
• Crisis Management: Develop and implement contingency plans to address potential disruptions, such as labor disputes, port congestion, or natural disasters. Lead crisis response efforts and minimize impact on operations and customer service.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor a team of regional port operations managers, providing guidance, coaching, and development opportunities. Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations related to port operations, safety, and environmental protection.
• Travel: This role requires travel to meet with internal stakeholders, their staff, vendors, and industry partners at various locations across North America.

Core Required Skills and Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Execution: Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies that align with business goals.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams across multiple locations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Operational Expertise: Deep understanding of maritime and intermodal operations, including vessel operations, cargo handling, terminal management, and intermodal transportation.
• Analytical and Problem‑Solving Skills: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and solve complex operational challenges.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to adapt to changing market conditions, industry trends, and operational challenges.
• Communication and Presentation Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to various audiences.

Function Specific Skills

• Ability to manage change and changing priorities.
• Acts with commercial mindedness
• Applies logical methods utilizing analytical skills and experience for best‑suited approach; able to resolve complex issues
• Inland logistics, intermodal, and port operations knowledge
• Strategic Planning and innovative thinking

Required Minimum Years Experience

8+ years of management experience in port operations or related field

12+ years of industry‑related experience in maritime, intermodal, or supply chain management

Required Minimum Education

Bachelor's Degree Preferred

Ocean Network Express provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

At Ocean Network Express, we strive toward high‑level results for all our employees and pride ourselves on identifying opportunities for internal movement and advancement of proven talent. We enjoy meeting candidates who are persistent in their own professional development.

ONE NA follows a hybrid work schedule requiring employees to work 3 days in the office (i.e. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and 2 days remote each week.

Salary commensurate with experience means your pay will be directly proportional to your background, skills, and qualifications.

What we offer:

Opportunities available with hybrid working arrangements

Total rewards package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, 401K plan

About Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Ocean Network Express (ONE) was incepted on July 7, 2017, following the liner service integrations of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK). The new entity functions from its global headquarters in Singapore, supported by regional headquarters in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Brazil. ONE is the world’s sixth‑largest container carrier with a fleet size of approximately 1.91 million TEU. Operating more than 240 vessels, it offers an expeditious and reliable international network of over 130 services to 120 countries and beyond. ONE is a member of the Premier Alliance, a global ocean carrier consortium.