Vessel Superintendent

Overview

About the Role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Vessel Superintendent (VS) oversees the loading and unloading of customer vessels from start to finish (pre-operations, operations, and post-operations) while ensuring the delivery of the highest levels of safety, quality, and productivity from the entire workforce. This role leads the planning efforts and is the first line of contact for customer support.

Qualifications

What You Will Need

• High School Graduate; college or university degree preferred, especially in a maritime-related field. Relevant working experience may be substituted.
• 2-3 years of stevedoring and marine terminal operations experience; one year of supervisory experience highly preferred
• Knowledge of methods and equipment utilized in stevedoring and/or warehouse operations.
• Ability to operate equipment may be required in some locations.
• Health and Safety oversight experience; knowledge of OSHA regulations.
• Proven experience leading through change, fostering a cooperative work environment, and motivating others to drive continuous improvement.
• Organizational, project management, and time management skills with the ability to prioritize, be detail-oriented, and be accurate.
• Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment. Must include knowledge of Excel skills.
• Bi-lingual in English/Spanish preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to communicate with internal and external customers at all organizational levels.
• Leading employees- Attract, motivate, and develop employees and behave excellently.
• Taking Initiative- Self-motivated, proactive, and take charge and capitalize on opportunities.
• Composure- Demonstrate self-control, use good judgment in difficult situations, thrive, and work efficiently in a changing and fast-paced environment.
• Decision Making- Analyze complex problems, make decisions, and take action to resolve situations.
• Confronting Problem employees- Act decisively and fairly when dealing with problem employees.
• Collaboration-Establish, build, and maintain effective, productive working relationships and promote cooperation. Team player with a can-do attitude.

Other Requirements:

• Required to obtain a TWIC card.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• The employee is continuously required to sit.
• The employee must frequently stand, walk, climb, bend forward, squat, twist, pinch, and reach overhead.
• Employee may be required to reach forward, sit, grasp, and exercise repetitive foot and wrist motion and finger dexterity. Eye-hand and eye-hand-foot coordination may also be required.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move, carry, push, and/or pull up to 30 pounds.
• Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors, primarily on ship terminals.
• Employee is frequently required to talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to inclement weather/elements, such as extreme temperatures, rain, wind, high humidity, dirt, dust, fumes, airborne particles, smoke, unpleasant odors, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Employee is exposed to a moderate to high noise level.
• Employee may be required to climb a 50ft+ vertical ladder.
• Employee is frequently required to work at heights and in confined spaces.
• Employee works near moving mechanical parts.
• Local and non-local travel may be required (approximately 10% of the time).
• Must be able to work extended hours, weekends, or holidays, as needed.

Responsibilities

Pre-Operations

• Serves as a front-line contact for customers and customer representatives (Port Captains, Marine Agent, Surveyors, etc.).
• Contributes to pre-operations meetings with the General Manager, Port Captain, Checkers, and other representatives to discuss labor and equipment needs and identify any possible safety risks associated with cargo.
• Coordinates with Workforce Planners and location management for labor demand determination.
• Review the stowage and yard layout plans with all parties to confirm how the vessel will be loaded/discharged.
• Oversees the placement of shore cranes, gear, and labor.
• Changes rigging, as needed, for respective cargo needs.

Operations

• Directly supervises all production on assigned vessels and terminals.
• Provides oversight and supervision of the labor throughout the operation, including training and employee relations.
• Ensures that all equipment is operating properly and troubleshoots when necessary.
• May complete disciplinary write-ups.
• May be responsible for inventory control or working with Checkers to ensure count accuracy.
• May oversee loading trucks and railcars.
• Understands the Purchasing Order system and utilizes it when necessary.
• Monitors the Walking Foreman, Ship Clerks, and Ship Checkers to ensure cargo is placed per the stowage plan. Provides updates on production.
• Advises all parties of any changes during operations and provides the necessary information to ensure a smooth shift transition.
• Ensures compliance with the company's Health, Safety, and Environment programs and procedures:
• Provide safety training, attend safety meetings, and report incidents/accidents.
• May submit incident reports or work with the HSE team to ensure compliance.

Post-Operations

• Documents additional materials ordered, furnished, and used to complete load out and include in final vessel paperwork (i.e., lashing, lumber, etc.).
• Ensures that all vessel paperwork is accurate and complete to facilitate proper client billing.