Operations Manager

About NewPort Tank Containers

NewPort Tank Containers is a world leader in the management and transportation of ISO tank containers. Operating across the globe, NewPort owns and operates over 40,000 containers in the international deep-sea transportation markets. We work alongside our partners to provide innovative solutions for our customers allowing cost savings and transport time reductions thus enabling an increase in their on-time performance and profits.

As part of the Americas region operations, our Westlake office plays a critical role in supporting our customers and ensuring shipments move safely and efficiently across the globe. Joining our team means stepping into a fast-paced, highly engaged environment where your work truly matters.

Operations Manager

Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our North America operations. Reporting to the General Manager of the Americas, this role ensures the safe, compliant, and efficient handling of ISO tank container shipments, with a strong focus on cost control and accountability. You will lead our Exports, Imports, Dedicated, and Documentation Managers and, through them, our operations teams in Cleveland and Houston, building a capable, engaged team that consistently meets clear performance standards while protecting shipment margins.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Accountability

• Lead the Exports, Imports, Dedicated, and Documentation Managers and, through them, the operations teams in Cleveland and Houston.
• Foster an open and supportive environment through regular one on one meetings with direct reports and consistent accessibility to the team.
• Set clear expectations and performance standards, hold staff accountable for results, and provide coaching when standards are not met.
• Mentor and develop department managers and support the growth of their teams.
• Conduct performance reviews for direct reports and provide input on evaluations across the department.
• Participate in the selection and onboarding of new team members.
• Identify risks early, communicate proactively, and make timely decisions before issues escalate.

Cost Control and Vendor Relationships

• Control demurrage, detention, waiting time, additional cleaning and repair expenses, and other nonbillable costs to protect shipment margins.
• Evaluate drop and pick versus live load options to select the most economical approach for each shipment.
• Partner with Fleet Management to reduce empty repositioning and idle tank inventory.
• Build strong working relationships with trucking companies, depots, cleaning facilities, repair vendors, and other service providers.
• Use those relationships to support the operations team when service issues arise with a vendor, particularly during peak periods and operational disruptions, and share vendor performance feedback with Procurement.

Operational Efficiency and Reporting

• Monitor operational KPIs, including loads per FTE, operating cost per job, exception rate, and nonbillable costs.
• Analyze variances and root causes, and present improvement plans with measurable targets.
• Maintain accurate data in TMS and related systems to support sound decision making.
• Report on operations performance to the General Manager.

Daily Operations and Compliance

• Oversee the daily execution of import, export, and dedicated shipments.
• Ensure DOT and IMDG compliance across packaging, labeling, documentation, carrier qualification, and incident handling.
• Manage operational exceptions, claims, and incidents, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting operations and implement required updates in coordination with the relevant functions.

Communication and Coordination

• Provide customers with clear and proactive updates on shipment status and exceptions.
• Coordinate with Sales, Procurement, Fleet, Technical, and Finance on operational matters.
• Document and report operational exceptions and associated costs promptly to support cost recovery through Sales and Pricing.
• Support Sales on key customer visits and business reviews.

Requirements

• Strong team leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to hold people accountable and drive results.
• Strong cost awareness and experience controlling operating costs.
• Ability to act decisively, plan and organize effectively, and monitor progress in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent verbal, listening, and written communication skills, with a strong customer focus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Excel), transportation management systems (TMS), EDI processes, and PowerBI or a comparable reporting tool.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of operations experience in hazardous materials and bulk liquid transportation; ISO tank container experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of DOT and IMDG hazardous materials regulations.
• 5+ years of experience leading managers or supervisors.
• Demonstrated experience building relationships with transportation and equipment service vendors and resolving service issues.
• Foster an open and supportive environment through regular one on one meetings with direct reports and consistent accessibility to the team.
• Set clear expectations and performance standards, hold staff accountable for results, and provide coaching when standards are not met.
• Mentor and develop department managers and support the growth of their teams.
• Conduct performance reviews for direct reports and provide input on evaluations across the department.
• Participate in the selection and onboarding of new team members.
• Identify risks early, communicate proactively, and make timely decisions before issues escalate.

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Westlake, Ohio 44145 (Required)

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Additional Information:

NewPort Tank Containers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person