Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Port Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

As a Port Supervisor, you are the frontline leader and pivotal link in our terminal's success. You will be responsible for the direct supervision of all vessel, yard, and gate operations, ensuring that all activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with company policies and regulatory standards. This hands-on role requires a decisive leader who can manage union and non-union labor, coordinate with vessel command and port authorities, and solve complex logistical challenges in real-time. You will be instrumental in driving productivity, upholding our world-class safety culture, and ensuring the seamless flow of cargo through our marine terminal.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Port/Terminal Operator
Lead Stevedore / Foreman
Vessel or Yard Planner
Marine Coordinator

Advancement To:

Terminal Operations Manager
Stevedoring Superintendent
Port Manager
Vessel Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Logistics Supervisor
Intermodal Operations Supervisor
Warehouse & Distribution Manager
Safety & Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct and coordinate all activities related to vessel loading and unloading, including container, break-bulk, and Ro/Ro cargo operations.
Supervise longshore labor crews, equipment operators, and other terminal personnel, ensuring adherence to work plans and productivity targets.
Conduct pre-shift safety briefings (toolbox talks) to communicate operational plans, identify potential hazards, and reinforce safety protocols.
Enforce strict compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations, including OSHA, USCG, and company-specific safety standards.
Plan and execute vessel stowage and yard plans in collaboration with planners to optimize crane productivity, vessel stability, and terminal space.
Act as the primary point of contact for vessel masters, chief officers, and shipping agents during port calls to ensure clear communication and resolve operational issues.
Monitor real-time operational performance, making immediate adjustments to labor and equipment allocation to mitigate delays and maximize efficiency.
Complete and meticulously maintain accurate operational documentation, including vessel logs, timesheets, incident reports, and cargo manifests.
Investigate, report, and document all incidents, accidents, and property or cargo damage, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
Manage the allocation and ensure the optimal utilization of terminal equipment, such as ship-to-shore cranes, RTGs, reach stackers, and yard hustlers.
Ensure all personnel are properly trained and certified for their assigned tasks and the equipment they operate.
Oversee and enforce terminal traffic management plans to ensure the safe and orderly movement of trucks, equipment, and personnel.
Perform regular inspections of work areas, cargo handling gear, and equipment to ensure they are in safe and proper working condition.
Resolve on-the-spot conflicts and disputes involving labor, scheduling, and operational priorities with professionalism and authority.
Verify that all cargo is handled, stowed, and secured in accordance with international standards and specific customer requirements.
Coordinate with rail and trucking dispatch to ensure a fluid transition of intermodal containers between the vessel and inland transportation.
Uphold and administer the terms of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in all interactions with union labor.
Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports, providing constructive feedback, coaching, and mentoring to foster development.
Manage vessel berthing and departure logistics, coordinating with port pilots, tugs, and linesmen for safe and timely vessel movements.
Ensure operational compliance with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other government agency regulations for international cargo.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify trends in productivity and safety.
Contribute to the organization's operational strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with maintenance departments to schedule and coordinate equipment downtime for preventative maintenance and repairs.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies for technology rollouts, such as new features for the Terminal Operating System (TOS).
Assist in the development and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all terminal functions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Terminal Operating Systems (TOS): High proficiency with systems like Navis N4, Tideworks, or similar platforms for managing yard, vessel, and gate operations.
Stevedoring & Stowage Principles: Deep understanding of vessel stability, crane operations, cargo lashing/securing, and efficient load/discharge sequences.
Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of maritime safety regulations, including OSHA 29 CFR 1918 (Longshoring) and USCG rules.
Labor Relations: Experience supervising unionized labor (ILA, ILWU) and a working knowledge of interpreting and applying Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
Incident Investigation: Ability to lead root cause analysis for safety and operational incidents.
Radio Communication: Clear and professional use of VHF marine radios and other communication devices.
Equipment Knowledge: Familiarity with the capabilities and safe operation of various port equipment (gantry cranes, reach stackers, top loaders, etc.).

Soft Skills

Leadership & People Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage diverse teams in a high-pressure, unionized environment.
Decisive Problem-Solving: Capacity to make quick, critical, and effective decisions under pressure to resolve operational bottlenecks.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising with crew, labor, management, and external stakeholders.
Situational Awareness: A keen eye for detail and a constant awareness of the surrounding operational environment to proactively identify risks.
Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, 24/7 operational environment with shifting priorities and schedules.
Conflict Resolution: Skill in de-escalating conflicts and negotiating positive outcomes among personnel and stakeholders.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent. A valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is required.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Maritime Administration or Marine Transportation
Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Business Administration or Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of progressively responsible experience in a marine terminal, stevedoring, or port operations role. A minimum of 2 years in a direct supervisory or leadership capacity is essential.

Preferred:

Direct experience supervising unionized longshore labor (ILA/ILWU) is strongly preferred.
Prior experience as a Vessel/Yard Planner, Stevedore Foreman, or in a similar leadership role within a container or multi-purpose terminal is highly advantageous.