Director of Corporate Engineering

At Ports America, the Director of Corporate Engineering supports and improves the equipment engineering strategy, asset management approach, and overall equipment standards for all business units under Ports America’s management control. In business units with a minority stake, this role influences engineering strategy and standards to align with company-established benchmarks. The position collaborates with Maintenance, Procurement, Operations, IT, and Legal departments on equipment-related matters and works with the SVP of Health, Safety, and Sustainability to uphold safety and environmental standards within the engineering function. The Director also aligns standards and objectives with all business unit heads.

Responsibilities

• Direct, develop, communicate, and manage the group’s engineering strategies, performance, growth, and development needs to support cost and operational objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Participate in and lead engineering and corporate management meetings as required.
• Monitor, collaborate on, and support the equipment procurement program.
• Develop, refine, and implement equipment specifications and framework strategies to maximize cost benefits and equipment quality.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and business liaison between engineering, procurement, and other organizational functions.
• Lead, manage, and implement engineering efficiencies, safety and environmental best practices, process improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and standardization aligned with group strategy and objectives.
• Research continual process improvement initiatives and emerging technologies to support terminal operations.
• Ensure companywide conformance and compliance with established engineering and corporate policies, procedures, safety and environmental standards, and applicable legislation through controlled auditing and mentoring.
• Support, improve, and implement the company’s Asset Management program.
• Promote and demonstrate behaviors aligned with Ports America’s values and culture.
• Ensure the highest levels of safety in all activities.
• Adhere to Ports America’s Code of Conduct and Ethics policies.
• Travel up to 50% as directed by business need.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Working Attributes

• Maneuver on ships, terminal yards, cranes, area buildings, and terminal equipment, including occasional use of stairs, ladders, heights, small spaces, and proximity to rotating equipment, stored energy, deep water, and large machines.
• Frequent sitting, with occasional standing and walking.
• Some environments may be hazardous for individuals unable to see or hear fast-moving heavy equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (combination of education and experience may be considered).
• 10+ years of engineering leadership experience encompassing any of the following:
  • Major capital equipment projects.
  • Container terminal engineering function.
  • Major engineering system implementation.
  • Asset Management development and implementation.
  • Nationally recognized engineering qualification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s in Engineering and/or MBA.
• Understanding of terminal operations, planning, and stevedore operations principles.
• Knowledge of the container port industry, including engineering functions, cranes, port equipment, automation, computerized maintenance systems, integrated technologies, methods, and standards.
• Detailed knowledge of reliability engineering and maintenance planning programs.
• Excellent computer literacy.
• Experience in stevedoring and marine terminal markets.
• Experience with industry-related labor contracts.
• Knowledge of safety and accident prevention codes and regulations.
• Knowledge of industry-related regulatory codes and requirements.
• Experience with profit and loss principles.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse customers and market bases.