Operations Manager – Maritime

Darwin Recruitment; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking an Experienced Maritime Terminal Operations Leader in Los Angeles to plan, coordinate, and optimize vessel, yard, rail, and gate operations in a high-volume container terminal. You will oversee labor planning, safety compliance, and performance analytics to enhance cargo movement and vessel turnaround.

The role requires 5+ years in marine terminal or port operations with proficiency in Navis N4, XPS, and TO systems, plus strong leadership and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years in marine terminal or port operations, vessel planning, or logistics management.
• Proficiency with Navis N4, XPS, and terminal operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate vessel operations, ensuring efficient loading, discharging, and terminal resource utilization.
• Analyze vessel and yard performance data to identify trends and implement operational improvements.
• Collaborate with shipping lines, port authorities, labor unions, and terminal stakeholders to support daily operations.
• Develop labor forecasts and schedule union labor requirements to meet operational demands while controlling costs.
• Manage vessel stowage planning and coordinate with customers to ensure cargo requirements are met.
• Oversee yard operations, container inventory management, and equipment utilization to maximize terminal productivity.
• Lead and supervise operational teams, ensuring compliance with company policies, safety standards, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Investigate and resolve operational issues, service disruptions, and customer concerns in a timely manner.
• Coordinate breakbulk, container, rail, and gate operations to maintain efficient cargo flow throughout the terminal.
• Monitor terminal performance metrics and prepare operational reports for management review.
• Work closely with planners and operations personnel to anticipate challenges and implement proactive solutions.
• Manage dispatch activities, equipment availability, and workforce deployment across multiple shifts.
• Support training, development, and performance management of employees and interns.
• Maintain compliance with safety regulations, terminal operating procedures, and industry best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics/SC Management/Business Admin

Tools

Navis N4

XPS

Terminal operating systems

Job description

Position Summary

Experienced maritime and terminal operations professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimizing vessel, yard, rail, and gate operations within a high-volume container terminal environment. Oversees labor planning, resource allocation, operational performance, customer relations, and safety compliance while ensuring efficient cargo movement and vessel turnaround. Utilizes data analysis and operational expertise to drive productivity improvements, reduce costs, and maintain alignment with terminal, customer, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate vessel operations, ensuring efficient loading, discharging, and terminal resource utilization.
• Analyze vessel and yard performance data to identify trends and implement operational improvements.
• Collaborate with shipping lines, port authorities, labor unions, and terminal stakeholders to support daily operations.
• Develop labor forecasts and schedule union labor requirements to meet operational demands while controlling costs.
• Manage vessel stowage planning and coordinate with customers to ensure cargo requirements are met.
• Oversee yard operations, container inventory management, and equipment utilization to maximize terminal productivity.
• Lead and supervise operational teams, ensuring compliance with company policies, safety standards, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Investigate and resolve operational issues, service disruptions, and customer concerns in a timely manner.
• Coordinate breakbulk, container, rail, and gate operations to maintain efficient cargo flow throughout the terminal.
• Monitor terminal performance metrics and prepare operational reports for management review.
• Work closely with planners and operations personnel to anticipate challenges and implement proactive solutions.
• Manage dispatch activities, equipment availability, and workforce deployment across multiple shifts.
• Support training, development, and performance management of employees and interns.
• Maintain compliance with safety regulations, terminal operating procedures, and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in marine terminal, port operations, vessel planning, or logistics management.
• Strong knowledge of container terminal operations, vessel planning, yard management, rail operations, and labor management.
• Experience working with shipping lines, port authorities, and union labor organizations.
• Proficiency with Navis N4, XPS, and terminal operating systems.
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• TWIC Card, Forklift Certification, and CPR/AED Certification preferred.

Core Competencies

• Vessel Planning
• Terminal Operations Management
• Yard & Gate Operations
• Labor Planning & Workforce Management
• Port & Maritime Logistics
• Customer Relationship Management
• Operational Data Analysis
• Resource Allocation
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance
• Team Leadership & Development
• Process Improvement
• Budget & Cost Control
• Union Workforce Coordination
• Supply Chain Operations