Director of Operations II

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.

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…