Operations Manager

Nautilus International Holding Corporation; Aberdeen, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation & holidays

Health, dental & vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pet insurance

Job summary

Nautilus International Holding Corporation is seeking an Operations Manager I for our Grays Harbor terminal in Aberdeen, WA. This role leads vessel operations, directs ILWU labor, and ensures safe, efficient cargo handling while coordinating with customers and external stakeholders.

The position requires moderate experience, a valid driver’s license, and TWIC. The candidate will oversee shift operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and continuously improve operating performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 0–3 years of progressively responsible, related experience including a terminal operations supervisor/superintendent background.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain TWIC.
• Thorough understanding of terminal equipment operations and rail, ship loaders, and bulk cargo handling.
• Strong planning, organizational, and communication skills; ability to supervise union labor.

Responsibilities

• Directs and supervises cargo-handling operations on a shift-by-shift basis, including labor allocations and staffing.
• Coordinates vessel operations to ensure timely loading and unloading.
• Monitors, reviews, and approves operational documentation by shift end.
• Interfaces with customers, agents, rail companies, PMA, ILWU reps, and pilots’ associations.
• Promotes safety and ensures compliance with environmental, health, and safety policies.

Skills

Labor supervision

Union labor coordination

Operational planning

Communication skills

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in business/logistics or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Expected Salary: $83,100 - $103,900 per year.

About us

Metro Ports is an experienced terminal operator and stevedoring company with locations spanning across the country. For generations, we have consistently served the waterfront community through innovative solutions and processes. Our mission is to consistently deliver safe, efficient, innovative and environmentally responsible maritime operational solutions for our customers.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager I provides day-to-day operational leadership for vessel operations at the Grays Harbor terminal, Aberdeen, WA. Reporting to the Sr. Operations Manager, this role directs union labor to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant cargo-handling operations while exercising independent judgment and discretion. The Operations Manager I partners closely with Metro Ports, customers, and external stakeholders to execute operational plans that support service commitments and business objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs and supervises cargo-handling operations on a shift-by-shift basis, including labor allocations, manpower assignments, and hiring needs for vessel operations.
• Exercises independent judgment and discretion to manage daily work assignments for ILWU labor, holding employees accountable and taking immediate corrective action for non-compliance.
• Coordinates vessel operations to ensure timely, cost-effective loading and unloading without compromising service quality or customer requirements.
• Monitors, enters, reviews, and approves operational documentation, including vessel, rail, and payroll records, ensuring accuracy and completion by the end of each shift.
• Interfaces and communicates with customers, agents, rail companies, PMA, Local ILWU representatives, and pilots’ associations to support effective operational execution.
• Ensures strict compliance with customer cargo handling and cleaning procedures, including requirements related to cargo changes, cargo types, and destinations.
• Promotes safety awareness and ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and health policies by initiating immediate corrective action and completing injury and incident reports as required.
• Maintains working knowledge of applicable labor agreements, including PCLCD and PCMSC, and remains aware of labor relations issues to effectively manage organized labor.
• Prepares and completes accurate shift reports, cargo-handling notes, and required records, routing documentation appropriately by the end of each shift.
• Establishes and implements operating priorities, procedures, practices, and goals to meet organizational objectives, continuously evaluating operations for improvement.
• Proactively and reactively engages with customers, ship’s crew, agents, port staff, and governmental agencies regarding the most effective methods of operation.
• Handles labor grievances in an expeditious manner by gathering relevant facts and applying sound judgment and discretion in resolution.
• Delivers and enforces regulatory compliance training, including PMA, PCLCD, PCMSC, OSHA, port working rules, stowage, hazardous materials, and proper manning requirements.
• Performs daily and monthly operational and safety compliance inspections to ensure ongoing adherence to standards.
• Assists with maintenance repair coordination and oversight as needed to support operational readiness.
• Participates in industry functions and attend meetings as required.
• Maintains awareness of site security requirements and ensures terminal security procedures are followed.
• Must be able to work day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Qualifications :

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: 0-3 years- progressively responsible, related, experience, including a background in a position such as Terminal Operations Supervisor/Superintendent.
• Licenses:
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Knowledge:
  • Thorough understanding of operating procedures for terminal equipment, including mobile and fixed equipment, ship loaders, ship’s gear cranes, locomotives, rail switching, and bulk cargo operations.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
• Skills:
  • Ability to direct and supervise union labor effectively.
  • Independent judgment and discretion in operational decision-making.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to resolve problems, manage conflict, and handle grievances professionally.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Preferred:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Logistics, or a related field.
• Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with PMA processes and reporting requirements.
  • Understanding of hazardous materials handling and stowage practices.
• Skills: Ability to adapt to changing operational priorities in a fast-paced terminal environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Physical Demands: The physical demands described here represent those that are typically required to perform the essential functions of this position. This role requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds. It may involve regular exposure to outdoor environments and active work sites. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on the task. Some positions may require travel between job sites.
• Work Environment: Work may be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including active job sites with varying weather conditions and potential exposure to noise, dust, and other occupational hazards. Safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided and required as appropriate.
• Paid vacation and holiday pay.
• Health, dental and vision (employee contribution required).
• 401(k) with company matching contribution.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Pet insurance (employee contribution required).

Why Join Us

At Nautilus, our people are our most valuable asset. We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where team members feel valued, supported and empowered to grow with us. Whether you are starting your career or looking for the next step, we are committed to investing in your development, offering clear pathways for advancement, ongoing training and leadership development.

With operating areas across CA, FL, IN, NC, NJ, SC, TX and WA, we continue to impact diverse communities and industries. Nautilus International Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries areEqual Opportunity Employers . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

If you require reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform the essential functions of a role, please contact [e-mail].

This job description is not intended to be an employment contract or guarantee of employment. Employment with Nautilus International Holding Corporation is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This job description may be modified at any time at the sole discretion of the company.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.