Operations Labor Manager

About the role

The Operations Labor Manager directs and coordinates assigned operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective use of union labor, equipment, and operational resources. This position exercises independent judgment and management authority over labor personnel and operational staff in accordance with company policies, operational requirements, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. The Operations Labor Manager serves as a key representative of company management and is accountable for safety, security, productivity, labor relations, and operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Exercises independent judgment and management authority over the hiring, assignment, direction, evaluation, discipline, and termination of assigned labor personnel, in accordance with company policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Directs and assigns the work of foremen, supervisory clerks, and other operational personnel based on operational requirements and workforce availability.
• Maintains working knowledge of applicable collective bargaining agreements and is responsible for their consistent interpretation, administration, and enforcement in day-to-day operations.
• Investigates workplace incidents, safety violations, and labor complaints; prepares reports and recommendations; and escalates matters to senior management as appropriate.
• Determines workforce composition and equipment needs to execute vessel and terminal plans safely, efficiently, and within budget.
• Manages the deployment of labor and equipment throughout the shift, adjusting assignments as conditions change to meet performance targets and vessel turnaround commitments.
• Monitors productivity against established standards, identifies performance gaps, and implements corrective action.
• Reviews all operational documentation and verifies that equipment and gear are ready and compliant prior to the start of operations.
• Accountable for the safety of all assigned personnel; enforces company policy, terminal operating procedures, regulatory requirements, and safe work practices.
• Plans, conducts, and documents daily safety meetings in coordination with Health, Safety & Environment personnel; addresses identified hazards.
• Ensures compliance with HAZMAT, OSHA, and other applicable regulatory requirements; reports incidents in accordance with company and regulatory protocols.
• Verifies that required PPE is worn by all personnel on the operation.
• Ensures a respectful, discrimination-free work environment and promptly addresses workplace concerns or misconduct.
• Serves as the primary coordination point during operations among vessel personnel, customers, agents, terminal staff, and labor.
• Supports and troubleshoots terminal operating systems; ensures accuracy of operational data.
• Completes and submits required reports, including shift production, payroll, safety, and damage reports, within established deadlines.
• Performs additional supervisory and operational duties as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; equivalent management experience considered.
• Minimum 3 years managing union labor in a comparable environment.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC card.
• Current CPR certification.
• Working knowledge of terminal operations, cargo stowage and stability, and local union dispatching rules.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Familiarity with computerized terminal operating systems.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and accident-prevention codes and regulations.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes – assigned union labor personnel, including Foreman and Supervisory Clerks.

Capabilities

• Ability to direct a large, diverse workforce in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills under time pressure.
• Ability to plan and organize work across varied hours, shifts, and days.
• Effective communication with union workforce, management, and external stakeholders.

Work Environment

• Must be able to work in rotating shifts, days, evenings, and nights at multiple terminals. Schedule may be provided on short notice due to operations.
• Must be able to work in extreme outdoor temperatures of hot and cold, extremely dusty conditions and occasionally, conditions of high levels of noise.
• The ability to work in an environment that may be hazardous to persons unable to see and hear fast-moving equipment.
• The ability to drive 20%.

Pay

$82,000–122,000 per year. The posted compensation range is based on the applicable geographic market for the position and may vary depending on factors such as related experience and skill set. Final compensation will be determined based on these items and other relevant factors.

Benefits

• Eligible employees (and their families) may qualify for medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as having basic life and accidental death insurance, paid disability insurance, including paid parental leave if eligible, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Employees will receive paid sick and vacation time, and company holidays if eligible.
• The company also offers paid bereavement leave, and paid jury duty.
• Eligible employees can enroll in our company's 401k plan, as well as a retirement plan.
• Employees will be eligible for discretionary and/or metric-based bonuses dependent on their position.