Job Details

Vice President of Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all operational activities across U.S. ports and marine terminals. This position ensures excellence in service delivery, regulatory compliance, vendor performance, and customer engagement. As a key member of the U.S. executive team, the VP of Operations plays a strategic role in driving operational efficiency, financial performance, and organizational growth.

This highly visible role directs daily port operations, manages critical relationships with customers, regulatory bodies, and partners, and leads the invoice verification process for all terminal, port, vessel, and crew operational expenses nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership for port and terminal operations across the U.S.
• Develop and implement operational programs to optimize revenue, vessel turnaround, and service excellence.
• Monitor regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to U.S. Coast Guard, HAZMAT, and other maritime regulations.
• Lead crisis and emergency response initiatives, including medical evacuations and vessel incidents.
• Drive continuous improvement through strategic planning aligned with organizational objectives and industry trends.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor, coach, and develop operations team to enhance performance and foster a culture of accountability and safety.
• Oversee workforce planning, staffing, training, and performance evaluation.
• Promote operational best practices and process optimization.

Port & Terminal Management

• Oversee daily vessel and terminal operations to ensure efficient port productivity.
• Monitor port time, idle time, berth utilization, and crane/gateway productivity to meet or exceed performance KPIs.
• Ensure accurate invoicing and expense management for all operational activities.

Vendor & Stakeholder Relations

• Lead negotiations of operational agreements with vendors, port authorities, and service providers.
• Act as a key liaison with government agencies, regulatory authorities, customers, and industry partners.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years leadership experience in maritime, port operations, or shipping industry. Prior experience at the VP level or equivalent operational leadership role is strongly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Transportation, Logistics, or related field required.
• Certifications: Master License or Chief Officer credentials highly desirable.
• Commercial sea time experience is a plus.