Job Details

Chief Operating Officer

How to Apply
Please note: We are accepting applications for this position through an external system.
To be considered for this role, please submit your application using the following link:
Apply Here:

Position Summary:
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key strategic member of the executive team, responsible for:

• Overseeing day-to-day operations at Port Houston, including oversight of Operations, Commercial, Maintenance, Channel Infrastructure, and Port Infrastructure divisions.
• Managing the division for proper controls, procedures, and systems in place to maintain financial strength through safe and efficient operations; and
• Expanding and maintaining all port facilities in advance of market demand and in alignment with the organization's strategic goals.
  

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

• Lead and direct operating activities to achieve organizational strategic goals and objectives

• Oversee development and implementation of operating policies, including the evaluation of outcome from these policies

• Lead the development of business plans and budgets based on broad organization goals and objectives
• Develop and manage operational budgets, continually improved levels of service and efficiencies, and cost control measures
• Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and executive team on master planning, modernization, and capacity expansion projects
• Develop and install procedures and internal controls throughout the division
• Develop and establish operating policies, with the CEO, and execution of these policies; perform appraisal, evaluation, and regular systematic reporting to the CEO results of overall operations
• Participate as a member of the Port Houston senior management team, to include leadership of initiatives to support achievement of the Port Houston Strategic Plan, development of assigned staff, and promotion of a positive organizational culture
• Safeguard all activities and operations are in compliance with local, state, and federal
  regulations and laws governing business operations • Promote development of leadership at all levels of the organization; coach and mentor future leaders of the organization; present initiatives relevant to the business of the organization to the Commission
• Negotiate and manage operating agreements and performance metrics with port users
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with all business partners including shipping lines, terminal operators, trucking firms, labor unions, shippers, tenants, government agencies, and community stakeholders
• Lead and develop high-performing teams within the Terminal Operations, Commercial, Infrastructure, Channel, and Maintenance Divisions, and ensure team alignment to offer competitive service to all customers
• Monitor federal, state, and local government regulations affecting port operations
• Act as steward of Port Houston resources to provide effective control of department budgets
• Foster a culture of safety, innovation, accountability, and operational excellence
• Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
• Perform other duties, as required
  

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Maritime Administration, Economics, or related major in a public or accredited private academic institution required; professional experience may be substituted for the above educational requirements on a year for year basis
• Master's degree preferred
• 15+ years of related maritime or port related experience required (terminal operations experience is preferred)
• 10+ years in a senior leadership role
• Proven track record in managing large-scale operations and infrastructure projects
• Previous supervisory or executive experience required
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

• Strong knowledge of port systems, vessel operations, intermodal logistics, and maritime regulations
• Knowledge of international shipping and global trade trends.
• Experienced leadership in maritime operation and financial aspects of port business
• Attention to details and effective organizational skills
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Knowledge of unionized labor environments and labor unions (specifically ILA experience/relationships)
• Tactical critical thinking skills
• Project management skills
• Negotiation skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with all levels of employees, management and customers
• Collaboration skills
• Public speaking and delivering presentation skills
• Management skills
• Mentoring and coaching skills
• Ability to reach short- and long-term goals
• Ability to lead and provide executive support
• Ability to present relative business initiatives
  

Key Competencies Required:

• Developing others
• Ability to drive strategic direction
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ethics and values
• Facilitating change
• Managing conflict
• Leadership presence
• Promoting business partnerships
• Leading through vision and values

Important Notice:
We've partnered with another platform to manage applications for this role. Please ensure you apply through the provided external link above. This will ensure your application is received and reviewed by our hiring team.