Managing Consultant - Operations & Optimization

Navis LP; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaleris is seeking an experienced advisor to lead high-stakes consulting engagements at major terminals, guiding executives through digital transformation and automation roadmaps. The role requires directing cross-functional teams, owning executive relationships, and shaping strategic alignment across terminal management, IT, and operations.

You will conduct comprehensive operational audits, optimize vessel and yard planning, and oversee change management during technology-driven transitions.

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of terminal dynamics and real-time exception handling.
• Experience in traditional and automated container facilities.
• Strong ability to diagnose operational issues and translate to software fixes.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-stakes consulting engagements as principal SME for digital transformation and automation roadmaps.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams across global projects of TOS engineers, automation specialists and operational experts.
• Own executive relationships, facilitate board-level workshops, and align stakeholders across terminal ops, IT, and engineering.
• Conduct end-to-end terminal audits and optimize vessel, yard, and gate operations for efficiency.
• Guide terminals through change management during transitions from manual to automated operations.

Skills

Terminal dynamics

Operational adaptability

Analytical problem-solving

Stakeholder management

TOS & software fluency

Cross-functional leadership

Tools

N4

XPS

ECN4

YCS

HT modules

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Practice Governance Strategic Advisory: Lead high-stakes consulting engagements as the principal subject matter expert, guiding port executives and terminal directors through digital transformation and automation roadmaps.
• Cross-Functional Direction: Direct multidisciplinary teams of operational experts, TOS software engineers, and automation specialists across simultaneous global projects.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Own executive-level relationships, facilitate board-level workshops, and manage strategic alignment across terminal management, engineering, IT, and frontline operations.
• Operational Analysis & Workflow Optimization
  • End-to-End Terminal Audits: Conduct comprehensive reviews of waterside, landside, and gate operations to identify bottlenecks, idle times, and inefficiencies.
  • Vessel & Yard Planning Optimization: Streamline vessel stowage planning, quay crane (QC) scheduling, yard stacking strategies, and truck turnaround processes.
  • Manual to Automated Transition: Guide terminals through operational readiness, change management, and workflow adaptation during the transition from manual or semi-automated to fully automated operations.
• Technology Integration & TOS Expertise
  • Advanced Modules Deployment: Spearhead the integration of high-performance TOS modules such as Expert Decking, Auto Stow, Prime Route, ASC Scheduler, and Horizontal Transport Schedulers.
  • Automation Interface Alignment: Align software logic with physical equipment behaviors for Quay Cranes (QCs), Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs), Rubber- Tailed Gantries (RTGs), and automated transport vehicles (AGVs/IGVs/Shuttles).
  • TOS Proficiency: Utilize deep working knowledge of N4, XPS, and ECN4 to configure and fine-tune system parameters to match real-world terminal dynamics.
• Training, Mentorship & Performance Tracking
  • Control Room Coaching: Mentor and guide Terminal Control Room (TCR) operators, planners, and supervisors on best practices for daily execution and optimal tool adoption.
  • Workshops & Capability Building: Design and lead operational training workshops to foster a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
  • KPI Management: Develop, track, and report on operational metrics - such as crane moves per hour (MPH), truck turnaround time (TTT), and yard density to measure project impact.

Required Skills & Experience

• Core Operational Knowledge
  • Thorough Understanding of Terminal Dynamics: Comprehensive grasp of marine coordination, gate logistics, yard consolidation, dual-cycling logic, and exception handling in real-time environments.
  • Terminal Environment Adaptability: Proven operational experience in both traditional manual terminals and modern automated/semi-automated container facilities.
  • Equipment & Traffic Flow Mastery: In-depth familiarity with equipment behaviors, traffic rules, buffer management, and safety protocols for heavy port machinery.
• Technical & Soft Skills
  • TOS & Software Fluency: Strong, hands- on proficiency with N4, XPS, ECN4 applications, and related automation interfaces including Yard Crane Schedulers (YCS) and Horizontal Transport (HT) modules.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to interpret complex operational data, diagnose systemic issues on the ground, and translate them into software or procedural fixes.
  • Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills to bridge the gap between IT/engineering teams, terminal management, and unionized or frontline workforce personnel.

Kaleris is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At Kaleris, we encourage creativity, delight in innovation, and foster opportunities to grow. We believe every move matters, especially career moves. We’re building the connected, visible, sustainable, and reliable global supply chain of the future. And we're looking for the best and brightest people to join our team.