Marine Terminal Operations Manager

Marine Terminal Operations Manager

Job Summary

A maritime terminal operator is seeking a Marine Terminal Operations Manager to lead a multipurpose terminal in Houston, TX. This role oversees daily terminal operations and stevedoring, with full P&L responsibility for the operation. The manager will lead a multidisciplinary team, improve safety and productivity, and work with customers and commercial teams to grow the business.

Responsibilities

Direct daily terminal and vessel operations, including stevedoring, breakbulk cargo handling, labor planning, and equipment allocation.

Own the terminal’s P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, business planning, and corrective action when results fall short of plan.

Lead operations managers, supervisors, and frontline teams. Develop leaders and maintain appropriate staffing and operational coverage.

Manage labor relations and support labor negotiations as needed.

Track performance across safety, productivity, throughput, service quality, and customer satisfaction. Use those metrics to improve how the terminal operates.

Build and maintain relationships with shipping lines, cargo customers, logistics providers, port authorities, and service partners.

Partner with commercial and sales teams to pursue new business and support negotiations involving tariffs, service agreements, and contracts.

Lead safety and regulatory compliance, including OSHA and environmental requirements, incident investigations, and corrective actions.

Requirements

15+ years of progressive leadership experience in marine terminals, stevedoring, port operations, logistics, transportation, or a similarly complex industrial operation.

Proven experience leading a significant operation with full P&L accountability .

Strong knowledge of breakbulk cargo, stevedoring, vessel operations, and port infrastructure .

Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced operating environments.

Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and forecasts, support commercial negotiations, and build lasting customer relationships.

Track record of improving operational performance with measurable results.

Experience in unionized or labor-intensive environments strongly preferred.

Fluency in English required; Spanish is a plus.

Full-time, on-site role in Houston, TX.