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Job Description

Insight Global is seeking a Director of Operations for it's Stevedore client at the Port of Portland. The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and comprehensive operational oversight for Portland Bulk Terminal (PBT), a specialized potash export facility wholly owned by Canpotex and operated by Metropolitan Stevedore Company. Located on the Columbia River system, PBT serves as a strategic bulk-handling terminal dedicated to the efficient processing and export of specialty potash products.

The Director leads a diverse operational team including Operations Managers, union workers, and subcontracted services, ensuring that all operational execution aligns with Canpotex's strategic objectives, customer service level agreements (SLAs), and regulatory requirements. This position serves as the primary operational liaison with Canpotex, regulatory agencies, and union leadership, driving operational excellence that supports the terminal's specialized potash handling mission and business objectives.

This senior leadership role encompasses all terminal functions including stevedoring operations, health, safety & environmental programs, administrative services, and maintenance & repair activities. The Director is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations across all vessel and rail activities while maintaining excellence in labor management, environmental stewardship, and customer service delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Management

Direct comprehensive terminal operations by leading a team of Operations Managers, ILWU clerks, and foremen to ensure safe, efficient handling of bulk cargo operations at Portland Bulk Terminal

Oversee development and execution of integrated operational plans including vessel berthing schedules, rail coordination, labor deployment, cargo sequencing, and maintenance scheduling to optimize terminal throughput and customer service

Coordinate multi-stakeholder operations with labor unions, vessel crews, rail operators, customers, port authorities, government agencies, and internal teams to ensure seamless cargo handling and proactive issue resolution

Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to implement operational system improvements, technology upgrades, and efficiency enhancements while actively challenging on-site contractors to optimize schedules, reduce costs, and maintain rigorous safety compliance—ensuring proactive terminal leadership

Asset Management & Maintenance Oversight

Manage comprehensive maintenance operations by supervising Metro Ports personnel, union maintenance crews, and subcontracted services to ensure optimal equipment reliability and asset performance

Oversee strategic procurement and inventory management of critical spare parts, maintenance supplies, and equipment to minimize downtime and support continuous operations

Ensure maintenance excellence through adherence to standard operating procedures, timely work order documentation, and quality assurance protocols for all maintenance activities

Conduct daily operational assessments including conveyance system inspections to verify equipment readiness, safety compliance, and operational capability

Team Development & Human Resources Management

Lead talent management initiatives by hiring, training, coaching, and evaluating direct reports and contractor personnel to build high-performing operational teams

Manage workforce planning and scheduling including attendance monitoring, overtime authorization, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions in coordination with HR

Ensure full compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements while actively participating in ILWU-PMA labor relations meetings, contract negotiations, and grievance resolution processes to maintain positive labor relations and operational continuity

Create a development-focused work environment with clear performance expectations, career advancement opportunities, and accountability standards

Safety, Compliance & Environmental Stewardship

Drive safety excellence from the top by setting the safety tone across the entire site, rigorously enforcing OSHA, PMA, PCLCD, and PCMSC standards, and cultivating a zero-incident operational culture that resonates throughout all levels of the organization

Ensure regulatory compliance by maintaining comprehensive documentation for EHS requirements and adhering to all port authority and federal reporting obligations

Lead regulatory preparedness by coordinating inspection readiness activities and serving as primary liaison with regulatory agencies and compliance auditors

Financial Management & Business Development

Own operational budgets and procurement by taking full accountability for financial protocols, driving cost optimization initiatives, and ensuring transparent, proactive communication of operational plans to stakeholders

Drive business process improvement by analyzing financial and operational data, documenting enhanced procedures, and implementing efficiency initiatives that support strategic objectives

Collaborate on strategic planning with consultants, vendors, and senior leadership on forecasting, budgeting, and long-term terminal development initiatives

Additional Responsibilities

Provide technical support to other terminal operations for complex engineering or maintenance challenges

Assist with accounts receivable collections and cost control initiatives as needed

Maintain regular, predictable, and reliable attendance with flexibility to work weekends and holidays as operational demands require

Perform other duties as assigned by senior management to support overall terminal objectives

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected] learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Skills and Requirements

*High School Diploma or GED required

*7–10+ years of escalating leadership responsibility in terminal operations, with demonstrated success managing teams, operations, and performance outcomes

*Strong understanding of terminal operations, labor management, and maintenance procedures

*Familiarity with OSHA, PMA, PCLCD, PCMSC, and environmental regulations

*Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems

*Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage union labor effectively

*Exercises sound judgment in high-pressure environments with contingency planning

*Proficient in optimizing workflows and implementing SOPs for continuous improvement *Bachelors Degree

*Experience in stevedoring, warehousing, or value-added logistics services

*Prior work with port authorities or regulatory agencies

*Safety or operations-related certifications (e.g., OSHA, EH&S)

*Familiarity with SLAs, budgeting, and strategic planning

*Public speaking, client engagement, and cross-functional leadership capabilities