Assistant Operations Manager (Yard/Gate Operations)

Position Overview:

We are seeking a hands-on Yard / Gate Assistant Operations Manager to help lead safe, efficient terminal yard and gate operations. This role provides day-to-day direction to ILA yard labor, coordinates equipment and staffing, supports container flow, and makes operational decisions that improve productivity, service times, and cost control.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead daily yard and gate activities while maintaining a safe, productive work environment.

Direct ILA Headers, Foremen, Chief Supervisors, and hourly union labor in completing work assignments safely and efficiently.

Plan container movement, grounding, storage, and dispatch activities to optimize yard space and terminal flow.

Monitor container dispatch sequences, direct-dispatch schedules, gate moves, turn times, and equipment productivity.

Determine labor and equipment needs, order appropriate resources, authorize overtime when needed, and verify labor hours and payroll adjustments.

Use independent judgment to assign or reassign labor and equipment based on operational priorities and business needs.

Lead pre-operation safety talks, inspect work areas, escalate hazards, and reinforce company safety requirements.

Address labor concerns and grievances through applicable labor agreements and established procedures.

Coordinate with terminal departments, customs agencies, carriers, unions, and other operational partners.

Support special projects and other operational assignments as needed.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED required.

One to three years of experience in port, logistics, terminal, or related operations.

Technical or professional training, including required courses or permits under applicable regulations.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook, with the ability to learn terminal operating and yard-management systems.

Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, relationship-management, and teamwork skills.

Authorization to work in the United States.

Ability to participate in the company’s pre-employment and random drug-testing program.

Skills/Knowledge:

Microsoft Office Suite Applications

Leadership/Personnel Management Experience

Conflict resolution skills

Disciplined & organized

Results oriented

Proactive

Work Environment and Expectations:

Work in an active marine-terminal environment.

Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally.

Climbing ladders and vessel gangways.

Working at heights of six feet or more.

Use required personal protective equipment.

Work in heat, rain, humidity, dust, fumes, noise, vibration, and field hazards.

Travel, rotating on-call coverage, and unscheduled callouts.

Extended workdays or workweeks, overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Must be currently authorized to work in the US, no visa sponsorship at this time.

Florida International Terminal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Florida International Terminal is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and ensuring an inclusive, accessible recruitment process for all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete your application and/or participate in the interview process, please contact us.