JOB SUMMARY

The Operations Manager, Terminal Support is responsible for planning and supervising all phases of vessel operations promoting a safe, positive team environment and culture. Tasks include the formation of an operating plan which will include the cost-efficient use of labor and stevedore equipment, plan actual stowage of cargo, and preparation and distribution of comprehensive and accurate vessel stowage plans and accompanying reports. The incumbent will work alongside automation engineers, technology vendors, consultants, and terminal operation staff to ensure that optimum productivity and efficiency is always maintained including effective operation of the TraPac automated operating systems and equipment.

NATURE AND SCOPE

Due to the nature of our business, work shifts may fluctuate dependent upon vessel arrival schedules and operational requirements. The incumbent will be required to work weekends, night shift and long hours during the week and adapt to changes in work schedules as needed.

• Ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently by performing, coordinating, and maintaining close communication with all TraPac facilities.
• The incumbent is responsible for the meticulous preparation and follow through on every vessel. Must ensure each facet of planning and coordination is accurate with all TraPac terminals, customer service, and client representatives.
• The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Operations Manager.
• Operations Managers’ planning functions must incorporate Terminal facility gate receiving schedules, yard configurations. This includes coordination and planning activities with the respective vessel operations and rail operations teams.
• Terminal support responsibilities include planning functions. They are to be carefully thought out, organized, and planned prior to and during the operation. These plans and their activation must be done in conjunction with all other related and/or impacted activities and must always take into consideration safety, efficiency, cost effectiveness and production. Research and intelligent anticipation are key ingredients in accomplishing a successful plan as all terminal activities are extremely fluid and ever changing.
• The incumbent must be knowledgeable of vessel stevedoring procedures including container handling, conventional break bulk and securing cargo and containers. The incumbent must also be knowledgeable of vessel cargo planning including the proper stowage of hazardous cargo, special stowage items and vessel stability.
• The incumbent must be knowledgeable of client service contracts to meet customer requirements to ensure accuracy in client invoicing.
• The incumbent will develop a keen understanding of the interface between support and operational systems to optimize, strategize and maintain operational productivity. Accurate and thorough planning documentation and reports must be generated and distributed to the appropriate parties in a timely manner.
• The incumbent is expected to demonstrate sound planning ability, organization, leadership, and overall knowledge of terminal support operations. The position requires innovative planning, decision-making and operating management skills that lead to the direction and growth of the team as part of a positive collaborative environment with other engineers and support teams.
• The incumbent must understand and respond timely to alarms and disseminate accurate and time-sensitive information for problem resolution in a live environment. Incumbents must exercise discretion and good judgment regarding confidential information.
• Incumbent must have the ability to multi-task, meet tight deadlines, have the functional and technical knowledge and skills to perform the job at a high level of accomplishment, remain calm and use sound judgement under pressure in a fast- paces environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following describes the general nature and level of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, and responsibilities required of the job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbents may be asked to perform other duties as required.

PREPARATION FOR VESSEL OPERATION

• Coordinate with terminal and shipping line agency to confirm vessel arrival and departure time and estimated total moves.
• Assign a suitable berth that will accommodate the vessel and will not conflict with other vessel operations.
• Coordinate with terminal marine department to determine amount of labor and equipment necessary to cost-efficiently satisfy the customer’s requirements.
• Coordinate with the yard and gate department regarding inbound cargo availability, bare chassis requirements and yard space needed for container discharge.
• Identify cargo requiring special handling, i.e., over-dimension containers or break-bulk cargo and coordinate with necessary parties for proper stowage and handling.

VESSEL PLANNING OPERATION

• Plan containers following specific instructions and requirements supplied by the customer shipping line or its agent. Contact customers when requirements cannot be met due to conflicts or booking changes and assist in making adjustments.
• Ensure the strict adherence with the International Maritime Dangerous Cargo code and the Code of Federal Regulations (IMDG and CFR) when planning hazardous cargo.
• Plan cargo ensuring vessel stowage safety and stability requirements are met and distribute to the applicable line representatives. Ensure vessel stowage safety and stability requirements are always maintained during cargo operations as well as the final stow for departure.
• Create a working plan or crane letter from the stow plan which will be used to instruct front line labor. Distribute the crane letter and working plan to the terminal operating staff.
• During the vessel operations the incumbent must anticipate and recognize disruptions in production and demonstrate problem solving skills key to minimizing downtime and maintaining production standards. Constantly monitor the progress of vessel operation and making safe and appropriate adjustments when necessary. Communicate with vessel agent regarding delays or changes. During vessel operations distribute updated BAPLIE files to the line representative and vessels officer.
• Assemble and provide a final stow package to include the dangerous cargo manifest, reefer manifest and over-dimension manifest to the terminal. Send final the BAPLIE file to the vessel officer and line representative. Distribute same file packaged reports to the vessel representative and other applicable parties only upon request by authorized individuals.

COORDINATE TERMINAL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND TECHNOLOGY

• Maintain vessel schedule for the applicable TraPac terminal. Communicate any changes in working schedule or down line vessels up to a month in advance.
• Planner must be familiar with terminal operations at all TraPac terminals. In addition, planners must have the ability to plan for all the different classes of vessels we service.
• Maintain and update the technology programs currently utilized for vessel operations. This includes Crane Tech, TVS Auto confirmation company database programs. Test new technology in development for future applications regarding vessel operations
• Interface between Yard/Gate/Marine/Rail and customer service departments regarding Empty Revenue bookings and special cargo handling requirements. Coordinate with Customer Service all high profile and critical import cargo requests.

SYSTEMS MONITORING SUPPORT

• Actively monitor real-time performance of automated operations, equipment, and processes to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.
• Respond to monitoring systems alerts and irregularities promptly and effectively, and communicate relevant, detailed information to terminal operations staff and automation engineers for corrective action.
• Coordinate with automation engineers, technology vendors, consultants, and terminal operations staff regarding operational adjustments, delays and systems issues.
• Record all delays experienced and all faults associated with the automated operations system.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sedentary Work
  • Position requires sitting most of the time. Standing and walking are required occasionally. Position requires ability to exert minimal force up to 10 pounds occasionally and minimal force to carry, lift, pull and otherwise move objects frequently.
• Walking and Standing
  • Ability to move freely about the office
  • Must have the capacity to stand for a sustain amount of time when necessary
• Repetitive Motion and Machine Operation
  • Ability to sustain continuous minimally strenuous body movements such as keyboarding
  • Will be required to operate various office tools, instruments, and machines (fax/copy machines, computers, etc.)
• Speaking, Hearing, Talking and Sight
  • Must be able to communicate efficiently, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to receive information through oral communication
  • Able to work in an office environment with a moderate noise level
  • Requires clarity of vision with or without corrective lenses
• Additional benefits: Fully-paid health insurance, 401(k) match up to 6% of eligible pay, 7% annual retirement contribution, and more!