Sr. Manager, Terminal Operations

City of Santa Fe Springs; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Northwest Seaport Alliance seeks a Senior Manager, Terminal Operations to lead marine terminal operations and partner with alliance stakeholders in the marine and rail sectors to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-competitive solutions.

The role focuses on policy development, lease coordination with Real Estate, and building strong customer relationships to improve efficiency and service delivery across the gateway.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a Maritime Academy or other accredited school in business with specialization in transportation or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in ocean carrier, port, rail, or terminal operator industries; union experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate marine terminal operations with Class I railroads and internal teams to deliver best-in-class service.
• Develop and implement operations policies, programs, and best practices to improve efficiency and financial strength.
• Lead Trucker Experience program and coordinate with external partners to enhance service delivery.
• Provide guidance on roadway initiatives and collaborate with environmental, government relations, and facility development teams.
• Maintain relationships with customers, terminal operators, and industry committees.
• Oversee container terminal lease management and coordinate internal/external stakeholders to resolve issues cost-effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Operations coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Maritime/Business Transportation

Job description

Job Summary

starting salary between $121,644 - $150,216 depending on qualifications.

The Senior Manager, Terminal Operations provides leadership and management for NWSA marine terminal operations. This position partners with Alliance stakeholders in the marine terminal and railroad sectors to develop and deliver safe, cost-competitive, and efficient operational solutions. Through a proactive, collaborative, and innovative approach, the role supports improved marketplace competitiveness and the delivery of first-class service.

Primary Functions

• Coordinates marine terminal operations, Class I railroads, and the NWSA operations team to develop and implement innovative solutions that deliver best-in-class service.
• Develops and implements operations policies, procedures, programs, and best practices; monitors industry trends and innovations in marine container terminal, roadway, and rail operations; and coordinates Alliance operations strategies with the Commercial Team and internal stakeholders to foster growth, efficiency, and financial strength.
• Leads NWSA Trucker Experience program, coordinating with WTA on Quarterly Trucker Outreach forum and other initiatives to improve efficiency and service delivery through the gateway.
• Serves as operational lead for roadway initiatives and issues, providing support and guidance to environmental, government relations, commercial, and facility development departments.
• Develops and maintains internal and external customer relationships; represents the Port with customers, terminal operators, community organizations, and industry committees.
• In cooperation with NWSA Real Estate, manages the container terminal lease matrix and coordinates with internal stakeholders, including Maintenance, and external stakeholders to resolve issues in a timely, cost-effective, and professional manner.

Required Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree from a Maritime Academy or other accredited school in business with specialization in transportation or a related discipline is required. An additional four (4) years of relevant experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.

A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in positions in the ocean carrier, port, rail, or terminal operator industries is required. Experience in a union environment and management of a unit, team or department is desirable.

Additional Requirements

The desired candidate will bring a collaborative, team-oriented approach to manage processes, and will demonstrate initiative with minimal direction while knowing when to ask questions and seek input from peers and the broader team. The ability to think and act creatively and strategically to achieve the Alliance’s business goals is key to success in this role.

Must have significant knowledge of the maritime industry and port operations; bring energy, enthusiasm, and strong values; lead and implement positive changes; and demonstrate a strong commitment to operational excellence with superior oral, written, and interpersonal skills.

This individual must demonstrate a caring customer service attitude, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and dedication to the organization’s core values: Service Excellence and Partnership; Boldness, Innovation and Adaptability; Environmental Leadership; Fiscal Responsibility; Asset Management; and Health and Safety.

NWSA seeks candidates who will embrace and model these values both internally and externally, and who understand what it means to carry out these values in their everyday work. We value individuals who also bring an impeccable work ethic, honesty, and integrity, and who consistently exhibit enthusiasm, energy, and a drive to succeed.

In accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, all persons offered employment must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Proof will be required prior to employment.

The successful candidate must possess (or obtain within 30 days of employment) a valid driver's license. Candidate must be able to successfully complete a background investigation. Candidate must also be able to obtain/maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Information on this program can be viewed here.

THE NORTHWEST SEAPORT ALLIANCE IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WORKPLACE THAT IS FREE FROM ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT. WE ADHERE TO ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS.

As an employer of choice, the Northwest Seaport Alliance is proud to offer an excellent benefits package. This includes medical, prescription, vision and dental with no out-of-pocket premiums and full coverage for employee, spouse, and all eligible dependents. In addition, the NWSA also offers vacation, twelve paid holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, participation in the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and a NWSA-funded Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) account for out-of-pocket health related expenses for employees and their eligible dependents. The NWSA's benefits package is valued between 45%-55% of base salary.

01

Do you have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a maritime academy or other college/university in business, transportation or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of progressively responsible experience in positions in the ocean carrier, port, rail, or terminal operator industries do you have?

• 0 to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

03

Briefly describe your experience working with unions and managing a unit, team or department. If none, enter NA.

• Required Question