Manager, Port Cranes - Barbours Cut Terminal (BCT)

Port Houston; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Port Houston in Barbours Cut, TX, is seeking a Manager, Port Cranes to lead maintenance teams responsible for STS and RTG cranes. You will drive preventive maintenance programs, safety compliance, and reliability improvements while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to optimize crane availability.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in crane maintenance supervision, a mechanical/electrical engineering background, and proven leadership in large labor environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with mechanical/electrical focus.
• 10+ years leading crane maintenance in large operations.
• Strong budgeting and safety program experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise maintenance teams for STS and RTG cranes.
• Ensure preventive maintenance schedules and safety compliance.
• Coordinate with internal/external stakeholders to optimize crane reliability.
• Manage crane maintenance activities and department expenses.
• Respond to equipment emergencies outside normal hours.

Skills

Crane maintenance

Leadership

Budgeting

Safety compliance

Education

Engineering degree

Leadership/Management focus

Tools

CMMS software

Job description

Thank you for considering a career at Port Houston. We appreciate your interest in joining our team. By applying, you are taking an important step toward advancing your career with an organization committed to excellence. Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work environment. Joining our team means embarking on a fulfilling career path with opportunities for growth and impact.

Position Summary: Reporting to the Director of Port Cranes, the Manager, Port Cranes at Port Houston is pivotal in leading specialized teams focused exclusively on the electromechanical maintenance and repair of ship-to-shore (STS) and rubber tired gantry (RTG) cranes. This role emphasizes stringent adherence to advanced preventative maintenance schedules and robust safety protocols, ensuring optimal crane performance and reliability. The crane maintenance manager also serves as the principal crane operations liaison, coordinating strategically with both internal and external stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and crane reliability.

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

• Implement and ensure compliance with Port Houston policies and procedures that govern the operation and maintenance of cranes and related equipment.
• Lead, manage, and supervise a large group of skilled craftsmen in maintaining and repairing ship-to-shore (STS) and rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently, safely, and economically.
• Effectively communicate with peers, staff, vendors, stakeholders, and internal departments about planned and emergency maintenance repairs.
• Manage and administer all crane maintenance activities and related divisional expenses, including maintaining records, and overseeing capital purchases.
• Ensure all damage claims for Port Houston equipment are accurately processed, repaired, and submitted correctly.
• Prepare all department specific documentation for projects requiring Port Commission or staff approval.
• Ensure environmental and safety compliance in line with Port Houston standards and federal regulations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing performance data to identify trends and areas for operational enhancements.
• Participate in annual budget preparation and cost analysis.
• Review and recommend long range planning in accordance with departmental and organizational business and strategic goals.
• Works in collaboration with all departments on projects and special assignments.
• Assume the responsibilities of the Director Port Cranes in their absence.
• Work a temporary, alternative schedule or shift as requested by supervisor.
• Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you).
• Perform other duties as required.

Education/Experience:

• 4 - Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, with a solid foundation in Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics or Business Administration/Management with a focus in leadership or related major in a public or accredited private academic institution required.
• Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, and spreader repair experience, including specific knowledge of electrical, electronic, mechanical related maintenance experience required.
• 10+ years of general supervisory experience in Crane maintenance in any ports, construction, production, or manufacturing facilities.
• Budgeting and profit and loss management experience.
• Certifications in accreditation courses specializing in leadership principles preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

• Experience managing in a large labor environment.
• Specific technical knowledge of maintenance and repair of STS cranes, RTG cranes, spreaders.
• Knowledge of general engineering principles covering mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering.
• Knowledge of terminal and stevedoring operations, especially the coordination of cranes with vessel activity.
• Must be able to interpret engineering drawings, layouts, and specifications.
• Knowledge in crane control systems and mechanical systems.
• Strong and proven leadership capabilities in collaborative leadership and the ability to lead through change.
• Expectations include promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Must be familiar with OSHA and National Electrical Code.
• Knowledge of Port Houston policies and procedures.
• High level of planning and organizational skills, with high attention to detail.
• Experience managing multiple projects.
• Thorough knowledge of safety and accident prevention codes and regulations.
• Ability to use computerized software system(s), specifically those designed for maintenance and repair of cranes.
• Ability to respond to equipment emergency situations outside of normal working hours.
• Ability to find the most economical means to conduct operations.
• 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
• Coaching
• Focus
• Upon Quality
• Leadership
• Presence
• Planning
• Organizing

This work site location of this job is: Barbours Cut

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.

Port Houston is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program supervised by the U.S. Government.

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. We appreciate your interest in Port Houston.

Port Houston is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Port Houston’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Port Houston also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.