Operations Labor Manager

SSA Marine; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SSA Marine in Long Beach, CA seeks an Operations Labor Manager to direct and coordinate union labor, equipment, and resources, ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-efficient operations.

You will exercise independent judgment over labor personnel, engage with foremen and operators, conduct daily safety meetings, enforce CBAs, monitor productivity, and report on shifts, incidents, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Directs and manages labor personnel per policy and CBAs.
• Plans and assigns work of foremen and staff in operations.
• Investigates incidents and escalates to senior management as needed.
• Ensures safety meetings and compliance with OSHA/HAZMAT regulations.
• Reviews operational documentation and verifies readiness of equipment.

Responsibilities

• Determine workforce composition and equipment needs for safe, on-budget operations.
• Deploy labor and equipment across shifts to meet performance and commitments.
• Monitor productivity, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with vessel personnel, customers, agents, terminal staff, and labor; report as required.

Skills

Leadership

Safety management

Operations planning

Communication

Problem solving

Union labor knowledge

Job description

The Operations Labor Manager directs and coordinates assigned operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective use of union labor, equipment, and operational resources. This position exercises independent judgment and management authority over labor personnel and operational staff in accordance with company policies, operational requirements, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. The Operations Labor Manager serves as a key representative of company management and is accountable for safety, security, productivity, labor relations, and operational execution.

Workforce Management and Labor Relations

• Exercises independent judgment and management authority over the hiring, assignment, direction, evaluation, discipline, and termination of assigned labor personnel, in accordance with company policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Directs and assigns the work of foremen, supervisory clerks, and other operational personnel based on operational requirements and workforce availability.
• Maintains working knowledge of applicable collective bargaining agreements and is responsible for their consistent interpretation, administration, and enforcement in day-to-day operations.
• Investigates workplace incidents, safety violations, and labor complaints; prepares reports and recommendations; and escalates matters to senior management as appropriate.

Operational Planning and Execution

• Determines workforce composition and equipment needs to execute operational plans safely, efficiently, and within budget.
• Manages the deployment of labor and equipment throughout the shift, adjusting assignments as conditions change to meet performance and operational commitments.
• Monitors productivity against established standards, identifies performance gaps, and implements corrective action.
• Reviews all operational documentation and verifies that equipment and gear are ready and compliant prior to the start of operations.

Safety, Security, and Compliance

• Accountable for the safety of all assigned personnel; enforces company policy, terminal operating procedures, regulatory requirements, and safe work practices.
• Plans, conducts, and documents daily safety meetings in coordination with Health, Safety & Environment personnel; addresses identified hazards.
• Ensures compliance with HAZMAT, OSHA, and other applicable regulatory requirements; reports incidents in accordance with company and regulatory protocols.
• Verifies that required PPE is worn by all personnel on the operation.
• Ensures a respectful, discrimination-free work environment and promptly addresses workplace concerns or misconduct.

Coordination and Reporting

• Serves as the primary coordination point during operations among vessel personnel, customers, agents, terminal staff, and labor.
• Supports and troubleshoots terminal operating systems; ensures accuracy of operational data.
• Completes and submits required reports, including shift production, payroll, safety, and damage reports, within established deadlines.
• Performs additional supervisory and operational duties as required.

Capabilities

• Ability to direct a large, diverse workforce in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills under time pressure.
• Ability to plan and organize work across varied hours, shifts, and days.
• Effective communication with union workforce, management, and external stakeholders.