Position Overview:
The General Manager leads all Stevedoring and Marine Terminal operations in Brownsville, Texas, with a focus on driving operational excellence and supporting Gulf Stream Marine’s (GSM) business growth. Reporting to the Regional Vice President, the General Manager is a key member of the operations leadership team and is responsible for a workforce of approximately 200+ employees. Direct reports include the Operations Manager, General Superintendent, Terminal Manager, Workforce Scheduler, and Cargo Services Manager.
Key internal partners include the Quality, Business Development, Maintenance, Safety, Finance, and Human Resources departments.
The General Manager serves as an ambassador for Gulf Stream Marine, playing a vital role in strengthening customer relationships and ensuring superior service delivery.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in marine terminal and stevedoring operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Bachelor’s degree from a Maritime Academy or in Maritime Administration, Logistics, or a related field.
- Proven track record in leading teams through change and fostering a collaborative, high-performance work environment.
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to execute operational plans effectively.
- Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills across all levels of the organization.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong business acumen.
- Project management proficiency; ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives.
- Spanish language skills are a plus.
Responsibilities
Key Business Objectives
- Promote Safety and Quality Operations
- Champion a safety-first culture and ensure daily operations reflect GSM’s commitment to quality and safety.
- Ensure the consistent execution of safety and quality programs, including Audit, Clean Shift, Safety Flow, Quality Flow, and Hazard Identification.
- Actively participate in incident root cause reviews.
- Continually reinforce the importance of working safely, ensuring the message remains top of mind for all employees.
- Deliver Strong Financial Performance
- Participate in the annual business planning process and be accountable for achieving financial targets.
- Optimize profitability by enhancing operational efficiencies and implementing effective cost controls.
- Lead monthly variance reviews and financial performance discussions.
- Ensure timely vessel file submissions, accurate invoicing, and prompt collections to support cash flow.
- Identify financial risks and implement strategies to mitigate exposure.
- Build and Lead an Equipped, Engaged Workforce
- Foster a cohesive leadership team with clear communication and performance accountability.
- Partner with HR and Training to develop and execute annual workforce training and development plans.
- Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership, aligning long-term goals with operational execution.
- Serve as a role model for operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Drive Customer and Stakeholder Satisfaction
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, port authorities, and key vendors.
- Meet regularly with customers (minimum quarterly) to review service performance and satisfaction.
- Oversee terminal and stevedoring operations to ensure productivity and service meet GSM standards.
- Engage customers in identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities.
- Strengthen GSM’s presence and engagement within the local community.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional in stevedoring and marine terminal operations, with deep knowledge of handling bulk, breakbulk, steel, and project cargo. This individual brings strong leadership capabilities and excels in communication, from frontline crews to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
They demonstrate sound judgment, customer focus, and the ability to manage competing priorities in complex environments. The candidate is a proactive problem-solver who leads with vision and purpose, driving both operational and cultural improvements.