Senior Operations Manager - Crane

Ports America; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Ports America seeks a Sr. Operations Manager – Crane to lead the staff responsible for maintenance and repair of quay cranes, spreaders, and related equipment at our Newark facility.

You will ensure safety, compliance, and reliable equipment performance while coordinating with Marine Ops, Planning, and Procurement. You’ll develop and manage budgets, schedule maintenance, and drive continuous improvement in crane uptime.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 10+ years of supervisory crane maintenance experience.
• Experience with quay cranes, spreaders, and related electrical/mechanical systems.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and manage maintenance and repairs in a union environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead staff performing crane maintenance and repairs, ensuring safety and reliability.
• Coordinate planned maintenance, breakdown responses, and readiness between departments.
• Manage budgets, labor, and CapEx for STS crane operations and maintenance.

Skills

Leadership and supervision

Crane maintenance knowledge

Safety compliance

Budgeting and cost control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Electrical/Mechanical systems

Job description

Sr. Operations Manager – Crane

In the maritime industry, where colossal ships dock, and millions of tons of cargo are moved with precision, it takes teams of dedicated individuals to keep global trade in motion. Working in this dynamic sector means that you play a part in ensuring the pulse of commerce never skips a beat, all while driving the future of supply chain logistics and marine terminal operations.

Dive into a career where your talents make an impact and help us steer the future of this vital sector. Every job function in our organization, whether it’s on the docks or behind the scenes in administrative roles, finance, payroll, or IT, has a significant impact on the national economy and critical supply chain operations. Where the pulse of global trade meets the precision of maritime excellence, at Ports America, we don’t just move cargo; we drive the nation’s economic engine!

The Sr. Operations Manager – Crane will provide leadership and supervision for the staff handling all repairs for STS Crane Maintenance and Operations. This position ensures high communication of all crane related events, including planned maintenance, breakdowns, and readiness status between Crane Mechanic Union Labor and PNCT’s Marine Ops and Planning Departments. The Sr. Operations Manager must proactively identify priorities and execute solutions with a high level of responsiveness and sense of urgency.

Essential Duties

• Ensures that the maintenance and repair of cranes are done in a timely and cost effective manner, with consideration given to quality and longer duration of equipment.
• Supervising the maintenance and repair of all quay cranes, spreaders, and its supporting equipment and parts (electrical, electronic and mechanical).
• Ensure that the equipment is maintained and inspected in compliance with OSHA safety and reliable working condition, in accordance with planned preventive maintenance program and to identify and rectify repetitive problems.
• Supervise subcontractors work on-site and any major projects; Monitor warranties and ensure claims under warranty are filed.
• Ensure that breakdowns are corrected promptly and to make sure that follow-up work is undertaken; Use CMMS to document all related equipment statuses, costs, spare part inventories and job planning.
• Ensures that repair work does not adversely affect the services to the customer (Marine and Planning Departments).
• Work closely with internal customers (Marine and Planning Departments) and staff providing professional expertise and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Labor, Cap Ex and Maintenance Budgets for STS Crane Maintenance
• Keep operations aware of current equipment availability by regular communications and by issuing reports as directed.
• Ensure that department ILA and management team members work effectively and efficiently as a team and with the Operations group to ensure optimum equipment availability; Hold daily meetings with labor to ensure proper planning and prioritization of tasks are met and follows labor contract requirements with respect to union personnel.
• Liaise with planning for the scheduling of maintenance program and to provide feedback with a goal to continual improvement.
• Recommend and develop equipment overall and improvement modification as well as Capex improvements and replacements.
• Orders spare parts for the department, and assists Procurement in location and pricing of spare parts.
• Provides supervision and direction for the crane maintenance staff; Offers direction and instructions to subordinate staff, providing regular feedback.
• Ensures that safety procedures are followed, safety gear is used appropriately, area accident prevention/safety and workers' compensation programs and procedures are implemented. Ensure safety of all equipment and take corrective action where necessary.
• Follows company management policies and counsels subordinates, up to and including discipline or termination recommendations.
• Ensures that technical knowledge of staff is updated as needed.
• Manages department budget within guidelines and annual goals.
• Provides complete and accurate reports to management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, occasional sitting
• Climbing up and down a ladder multiple times within a shift
• Work on a ship and in a yard in all weather elements
• Daily computer/keyboard use
• Work in changing hot and cold climates based on weather conditions
• Work in an environment with moving objects and machinery
• The environment may be hazardous to persons unable to see or hear fast moving heavy equipment

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering AND a solid foundation in mechanical, electrical and structural engineering and 10+ years of supervisory experience in Crane Maintenance in a port/terminal, construction, or manufacturing environment OR 10+ years of supervisory experience in Crane Maintenance in a port/terminal, construction, or manufacturing environment, including 5+ years of progressive quay crane maintenance and repair expertise across electrical, electronic, mechanical, and related disciplines.
• Budgeting and profit and loss management experience
• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Port Access Card issued by the NJ State Police.
• A valid Driver’s License in good standing

Preferred Requirements

• Extensive technical knowledge of quay crane and spreader maintenance and repair, including mechanical, electrical, structural, PLC, drive control, and overall container crane control systems.
• Strong understanding of general engineering principles and the ability to interpret engineering drawings, layouts, and specifications.
• Requires overall general knowledge of terminal and stevedoring operations, particularly crane coordination with vessel activity.
• Proficiency in computerized maintenance management systems and other software designed for crane maintenance and repair, with a solid understanding of IT systems used in engineering and maintenance environments.
• Thorough knowledge of OSHA, National Electrical Code (NEC), welding and electrical standards, and other applicable federal, state, local, and company safety regulations, including safety and accident prevention codes.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills, with the ability to positively influence and lead a department of skilled trades personnel; strong team-building capability, preferably within a union environment and with exposure to union contracts.
• Collaborate effectively with operations management, financial and commercial managers, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels and maintain a strong internal customer focus.
• Exceptional planning, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving complex technical issues, and the ability to respond quickly and thoughtfully in time-sensitive situations, including equipment emergencies outside normal work hours.

Note

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Ports America is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; national origin; sex (including pregnancy); sexual orientation; gender identity and/or expression; age; disability; genetic information, citizenship status; military service obligations or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Pay Transparency

NJ Pay Transparency: $110k - $140k