Operations Manager

Yusen Terminals LLC ("YTI", based in Terminal Island (Los Angeles), CA, is an affiliate of Ocean Network Express (ONE) with headquarters' office in Singapore. YTI operates a state-of-the-art marine container terminal in the Port of Los Angeles. YTI was established in 1991 at the Port's Berths 212-218. The services we provide are stevedoring and terminal operations for Premier Alliance (ONE, HMM and Yang Ming) as well as slot chartering from Evergreen, CMA-CGM, APL, COSCO and OOCL. As a full-service marine terminal, YTI provides modern technology, equipment, on-dock rail, storage facilities and Alternative Maritime Power (AMP). YTI's highly experienced management team are devoted to efficient cargo handling with a focus on service delivery and customer satisfaction. We currently operate ten Post Panamax Gantry cranes including six, state-of-the-art Super Post Panamax Gantry cranes. YTI is focused on giving all our customers a reliable "Best-in-Class" service delivery as well as a complete suite of marine terminal services to the shipping and transportation community.

Do you dream of working in a job where you can be valued from Day One by your contribution? Yusen Terminals LLC is a place where our people are encouraged to grow and be successful in a thriving industry. If you are someone who likes working in a high energy environment, then Yusen Terminals LLC is the place for you!

According to a 2023 report from the HEA Group, a higher education research and consulting agency, Marine Transportation is #4 in the top 10 of the highest paying majors in 2023!

If you excel in a role where you can find a solution to problems, adapt while taking care of obstacles in stride and seek to join an amazing team then consider this opportunity.

We are currently seeking an Operations Manager (OM) to join our team. You will be accountable for ensuring safe and efficient overall operations for vessel, rail and terminal-gate through productive employment and direction of the ILWU labor.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with the knowledge of how to direct a team using drive and experience and someone who works well under pressure. The OM must possess strong written and verbal communication and a leadership/management style conducive to directing and encouraging the results of others with opportunistic drive. Strong solution-making credentials are required of the OM, who must also possess the aptitude to direct others credibly and respectfully while adapting to opposing priorities and changing conditions, all with a sense of urgency! You must be detail oriented, organized, and able to multi-task and collaborate well with others to drive results. A participative influence style will help you maintain success in the role and assist with achieving tasks in a timely manner. To be successful in this role you must demonstrate self-assuredness, take pride in quality results and deliver consistent performance in a job that has a broad scope, a wide variety of activities and rapidly changing shifts and priorities.

All employees have the responsibility to plan and execute our work in ways that prevent injuries. It is an expectation we lead by example and require all employees to adhere to our safety procedures.

Manage and direct ILWU foremen, planners (rail/yard-gate/vessel), supercargoes and chief supervisors by planning, directing, and coordinating their daily work schedules and all work activities.

Determine daily labor requirements for each shift, utilizing hall labor by directing YTI dispatchers; Carry out disciplinary procedures through the ILWU contractual agreements.

Evaluate and determine appropriate labor and equipment requirements for vessel, rail, and yard operations.

Interview candidates for steady ILWU labor positions and make the final hiring decisions.

Investigate the facts concerning alleged misconduct and poor performance by ILWU personnel, and make the decisions whether to fire (i.e., send back to the hall) and whether to file an employer's complaint. If a complaint is filed, prepare the complaint and represent the company at the LRC meeting.

Resolve on-the-job grievances with union business agents.

Responsible for the training of all ILWU and management staff for efficient use and management of the terminal operating system.

Responsible for operating within budgeted guidelines in meeting production and terminal goals, which include zero accidents, zero service failures, and budgeted goals of GMPH. Total annual lifts in excess of 800,000 lifts annually and a labor workforce in excess of 200-500 ILWU personnel daily.

Evaluate, design, and execute operational process improvements that eliminate cost inefficiencies.

Responsible for managing and executing operational needs within key parameters based on defined/targeted budget/forecast (i.e. cost per lift, Gross Moves per Hour, etc.).

Oversee all aspects of terminal planning to ensure below budget costs are achieved in conjunction with effective customer service; maintain departmental costs at or below budgeted level and weekly cost forecasts; manage and explain variances for weekly cost projections.

Lead safety awareness and regulatory compliance by training and enforcing on the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), Pacific Coast Longshore Contract Document (PCLCD), Pacific Coast Maritime Safety Code (PCMSC), OSHA, Port working rules, stowage and hazardous materials, proper manning and ordering.

Minimize the operating cost by eliminating redundancies, refinement of processes, utilization of resources, and controlling and improving the quality of the department.

Identify, recommend and implement changes to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Achieve optimum manning levels with least amount of overhead to meet annual budgetary plan. Proactively address performance issues with labor through both verbal and written communication.

Expected to work weekends, 2ndshifts and 3rdshifts, and holidays as required to support operational and business needs.

Develop and maintain professional customer relations by identifying and meeting customer needs. Ensure that staff and labor provide best-in-class customer service delivery.

Initiate and manage major projects such as terminal layout changes, installation of capital equipment, major repairs, etc. with the recommendations of other management personnel.

Lead by example, demonstrating YTI's core values of Collaboration, Caring, and Commitment.

Perform other job duties as required.

Undergraduate degree preferred or equivalent years of professional working experience. Experience in transportation or the maritime industry is preferred. Minimum 5 years' experience preferred in Terminal operations.; understanding of ILWU contract.

Managerial and/or supervisory skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Knowledge of stevedoring equipment and maintenance

Understanding of labor relations, labor staff oversight, report preparation and budgetary development.

Leadership: Guide and inspire others to accomplish goals; encourage high standards of performance. Command attention and respect.

People Management: Delegate and follow up on special assignments to increase the team's productivity and competence. Gives timely feedback (positive and negative); encourages teamwork and positive morale.

Team Building: Guide and inspire others to accomplish goals; clearly define expectations and encourage people to meet those requirements; encourage empowerment of all team members.

Communication: Tactful with customer-oriented attitude and proactive in consulting with the vessel, terminal/gate and rail operation managers on matters; share information regularly and consistently.

Integrity: Demonstrate loyalty, honesty, credibility and respect for individuals while serving as a role model for the organization's values; an energetic, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image; ability to organize and manage multiple priorities; experience managing in a union environment.

Decision-making: Decisive; make timely decisions; exhibit sound judgment. Create contingency plans and alternative solutions to problems.

Problem Solving: Identify and comprehend elements of a problem, determine and evaluate all alternatives, and weigh the best solution against the probable outcome, exercising discretion and independent judgment throughout.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to develop a rapport internally and externally with diverse groups of people and Labor Relations. Knowledge of computer skills (Word, Excel, Office email)

Oversee and monitor the performance of labor, including but not limited to their productivity and efficiency, for the purpose of, among other things, changes in their status, planning the work, directing the work, apportioning the work, adjusting the work among the workers, assessing the techniques to be used in carrying out the work, assessing the type of materials, supplies, machinery or tools to be used, controlling the flow and distribution of materials and supplies, and providing for the safety of the workers and property.

Partner with finance team to review and articulate major cost drivers that contribute to the operation of the vessel, yard and rail operations.

Decisions made at this level directly impact terminal operating costs and the quality of services supplied to YTI customers.

We have built a team who love what