Sr. Manager, Terminal Operations

Northwest Seaport Alliance; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwest Seaport Alliance in Tacoma, WA seeks a Senior Manager, Terminal Operations to lead marine terminal operations and partner with stakeholders to deliver safe, cost‑competitive, and efficient solutions.

The role coordinates terminal, rail, and operations teams, develops policies and best practices, and drives initiatives like the Trucker Experience program while maintaining strong customer relations and lease coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; maritime/transportation relevance preferred.
• Minimum six years of progressive experience in ocean carrier, port, rail, or terminal operations.
• Experience in a union environment and managing a unit, team or department desirable.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented leadership with initiative and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates marine terminal operations with Class I railroads and the NWSA operations team to deliver best‑in‑class service.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, programs, and best practices; monitors trends in terminal, roadway, and rail operations.
• Leads NWSA Trucker Experience program, coordinating with WTA for outreach and service improvements.
• Serves as operational lead for roadway initiatives; guides environmental, government relations, commercial, and facility development teams.
• Maintains internal and external customer relationships; represents the Port with customers, terminal operators, and industry committees.
• Manages container terminal lease matrix with Real Estate; coordinates with Maintenance and others to resolve issues cost‑effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Collaborative

Education

Bachelor's degree in Maritime/Transportation or related field

Job description

Anticipated 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.

• 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.

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.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.